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Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of doubtful But some scholars are doubtful that’s routinely happening. Lauren Sausser, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025 Rams left guard Steve Avila (ankle) did not practice Friday and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s road game against the Philadelphia Eagles (2-0). Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 Greenlaw is now doubtful to suit up for Sunday’s matchup with the Chargers, leaving next week’s game against the Bengals as the last possible chance to validate Denver for not placing the veteran linebacker on IR at the start of the year. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 Sep. 2025 And preparing for another week without King, who was deemed doubtful by Albin, the 49ers’ front will continue to rely on its depth. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubtful
Adjective
  • As this section is still early on in the design phase, the leaders are unsure about how long the road will be shut down, if at all.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025
  • With Feyenoord’s defenders unsure whether to engage, Rogers had time and space to drive.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While the talk leading up to the NLDS was about the Dodgers' questionable bullpen, it's been the Phillies' relievers who have been unable to quiet the Dodgers' bats.
    Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The chain has also recently reformulated its Member’s Mark brand to replace artificial food dyes and questionable ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, aspartame, and flavorings with natural options.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, multiple Chiefs missed a chance at a pick, and the Jaguars scored a touchdown after given the unlikely reprieve.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Okay, take a flier on Bourne if Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are out again, but that sounds unlikely.
    Jake Ciely, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That time, a very disputable foul denied him.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Burnett urged those who received the calls to stay skeptical of anyone claiming to be a deputy and to not engage in conversation with them.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Some fans accepted the clarification, while others remained skeptical.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In between, they were beaten by a dubious penalty away to Galatasaray.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Slowing down and speeding up Daisy arrived in his life through his ex-wife, who was moving to a new place that was dubious about pets.
    Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • What’s more debatable is whether the idea is probable, or even plausible.
    Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 15 Sep. 2025
  • What's next for mortgages, though, is debatable.
    Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Pyongyang has long been accused of conducting suspicious transfers of goods between ships in the East China Sea, which is bordered by China, the Korean Peninsula, Japan and Taiwan.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Digital asset treasury companies face SEC and FINRA investigations for suspicious trading patterns around crypto announcements.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Doubtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubtful. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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