DOUBTFUL Synonyms: 144 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'doubtful' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of doubtful are dubious , problematic , and questionable . While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty. // doubtful about whether I said the right thing

Q: When is 'dubious' a more appropriate choice than 'doubtful'?

The words dubious and doubtful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation. // dubious about the practicality of the scheme

Q: When is it sensible to use 'problematic' instead of 'doubtful'?

While the synonyms problematic and doubtful are close in meaning, problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain. // whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

Q: When would 'questionable' be a good substitute for 'doubtful'?

While in some cases nearly identical to doubtful , questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded. // a man of questionable honesty

doubtful

adjective

ˈdau̇t-fəl

Definition of doubtful next

as in unsure

not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something he was doubtful about the decision to complete the project despite its mounting problems

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as in questionable

giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged the election results were highly doubtful, so an investigation was begun

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as in unlikely

not likely to be true or to occur our winning the championship increasingly looks like a doubtful outcome

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as in disputable

open to question or dispute a doubtful claim to the property

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How does the adjective doubtful contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of doubtful are dubious, problematic, and questionable. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

When is dubious a more appropriate choice than doubtful?

The words dubious and doubtful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When is it sensible to use problematic instead of doubtful?

While the synonyms problematic and doubtful are close in meaning, problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

When would questionable be a good substitute for doubtful?

While in some cases nearly identical to doubtful, questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man of questionable honesty

Examples of doubtful in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There’s a strong message throughout the movie that many parents and adults unknowingly limit and tarnish the hopes and creativity of their children and teens by being doubtful, dismissive, and at times critical of their kids' imaginations. —

Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 31 July 2024 At the top of the season Amabile was doubtful about being back on the beach for a second time and debated going home. —

Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 21 July 2024 Similarly, Democrats are becoming more doubtful that Biden, at 81, has the mental capability required to be an effective president, the poll found. —

Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 17 July 2024 Kamala Harris Would Outperform Joe Biden in 2024 Matchup Against Donald Trump: New Poll The Times added that some of the president's top aides are doubtful that Harris could outperform Biden and remain wary of trusting hypothetical polling. —

Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for doubtful

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'doubtful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Doubtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubtful. Accessed 14 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 7 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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