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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective questionable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of questionable are doubtful, dubious, and problematic. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man of questionable honesty

Where would doubtful be a reasonable alternative to questionable?

The words doubtful and questionable can be used in similar contexts, but doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

In what contexts can dubious take the place of questionable?

While the synonyms dubious and questionable are close in meaning, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When is it sensible to use problematic instead of questionable?

The synonyms problematic and questionable are sometimes interchangeable, but problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

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 questionable From its intriguing origins to its questionable accuracy, the Farmer’s Almanac continues to captivate our fascination. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 11 Nov. 2025 So her past is very questionable. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025 How much will change at Norwich now another manager has departed is questionable. Rob Tanner, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025 Bissainthe, who was listed as questionable for the game throughout the week, played just 13 of 71 defensive snaps on Saturday. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for questionable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for questionable
Adjective
  • But all of that assumes that a putsch does succeed, and this is dubious.
    Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Also, the father in the book is a screenwriter, opening the door for sharp commentary on Hollywood and its dubious attempts at on-screen representation.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • These reasons alone might be sufficient for those who hold the shares to consider taking profits or selling some of the upside option premium, anticipating that additional upside in the near term is unlikely.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025
  • After all, Butler’s own success—as a child of a Black family that moved West from Jim Crow Louisiana during the Great Migration—would have been considered very unlikely at the moment of her birth.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • And there are people with theological and philosophical bents who use the BGV theorem to bolster their preferred arguments over how the Universe ultimately began, with dubious and debatable results.
    Big Think, Big Think, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Whether girls are reaching puberty six years earlier than previously is debatable—a 2024 study found a shift of only six months, not six years.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That time, a very disputable foul denied him.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Cornerback Rasul Douglas and edge rusher Chop Robinson are doubtful while four other players — running back Ollie Gordon II, tight end Julian Hill as well as safeties Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu — are questionable.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025
  • If at any point María Luisa hesitated, doubtful about the tastefulness of this colossus, those doubts vanished the moment a representative of the city council delivered a witty and audacious explanation of the arch.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The show leans into this offensive, problematic plot device without any self-awareness.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
  • However, others didn't find the ad too problematic.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This loss had to be especially tough for the Jayhawks, considering a controversial holding call on KU changed the momentum of the game.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Watson’s combination of scientific achievement and controversial remarks created a complicated legacy.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Homicide detectives deemed the death suspicious and began investigating.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Homicide investigators are investigating the circumstances of the death as suspicious based on the woman’s unexplained injuries.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Questionable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/questionable. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

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