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
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
The team is also still evaluating Matt Waldron and Randy Vásquez, who have struggled to varying degrees this spring but are being given the benefit of the doubt due to their work last season.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
Advocacy groups argue veterans have, for more than a century, been entitled to the benefit of the doubt for service-connect disability payments.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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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
The team is also still evaluating Matt Waldron and Randy Vásquez, who have struggled to varying degrees this spring but are being given the benefit of the doubt due to their work last season.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
Advocacy groups argue veterans have, for more than a century, been entitled to the benefit of the doubt for service-connect disability payments.
—Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 5 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 3 Apr. 2025.
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