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
Berube’s Stanley Cup ring gives him the benefit of the doubt, but his team ranks 27th in shot-attempt rate since Jan. 1 and their style of play deserves some scrutiny.
—
Nick Ashbourne, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
While some Republicans, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have given Trump the benefit of the doubt, suggesting the tariffs may be a negotiation tactic, others, such as Senate leader Mitch McConnell, have openly criticized the strategy, calling it harmful to working families.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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Nick Ashbourne, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
While some Republicans, like Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have given Trump the benefit of the doubt, suggesting the tariffs may be a negotiation tactic, others, such as Senate leader Mitch McConnell, have openly criticized the strategy, calling it harmful to working families.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
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
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 24 Apr. 2025.
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