the benefit of the doubt
noun phrase
: the state of accepting something/someone as honest or deserving of trust even though there are doubts
He might be lying, but we have to give him the benefit of the doubt and accept what he says for now.
Examples of the benefit of the doubt in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That successor is no longer enjoying the benefit of the doubt from global investors.
—
William Pesek, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Whether the Nuggets’ defense deserved the benefit of the doubt in its fifth game in the last seven days is in the eye of the beholder.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025
But the Finnish example is a reminder that trust is built over time, in small ways—through showing up for your community, helping a neighbor, or simply giving others the benefit of the doubt.
—David Nikel, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Suspending judgment and giving people the benefit of the doubt is always proper etiquette.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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William Pesek, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Whether the Nuggets’ defense deserved the benefit of the doubt in its fifth game in the last seven days is in the eye of the beholder.
—Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025
But the Finnish example is a reminder that trust is built over time, in small ways—through showing up for your community, helping a neighbor, or simply giving others the benefit of the doubt.
—David Nikel, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Suspending judgment and giving people the benefit of the doubt is always proper etiquette.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
Cite this Entry
“The benefit of the doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20benefit%20of%20the%20doubt. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
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