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
Fresh off an electoral victory and full of promise, much of the public sees them in a positive light; or, more modestly, is at least willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
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Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
There is a chance that this might not have always been the case, of course, so even given the benefit of the doubt, the user in question is still screwed.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Beyond that, her compassion and empathy (especially in giving the Wilkerson’s the benefit of the doubt many times) for others align with Virgo's lifestyle and approach to relationships.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Finch has been giving them time to coalesce and allow five players who have all had success in the league the benefit of the doubt.
—Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt 
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Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
There is a chance that this might not have always been the case, of course, so even given the benefit of the doubt, the user in question is still screwed.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Beyond that, her compassion and empathy (especially in giving the Wilkerson’s the benefit of the doubt many times) for others align with Virgo's lifestyle and approach to relationships.
—Lisa Stardust, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Finch has been giving them time to coalesce and allow five players who have all had success in the league the benefit of the doubt.
—Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
Dictionary Entries Near 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 1 Feb. 2025.
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