1
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
he was doubtful about the decision to complete the project despite its mounting problems
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in questionable
giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged
the election results were highly doubtful, so an investigation was begun
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unlikely
not likely to be true or to occur
our winning the championship increasingly looks like a doubtful outcome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in disputable
open to question or dispute
a doubtful claim to the property
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of doubtful
Moments before the ceremony, her attendance was doubtful.
—
Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Some experts are keenly doubtful that those efforts will be fully successful.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Still, doulas are doubtful that the $1,200 rate is enough to cover their costs, according to Bradley.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
After delivering several flops since its inception in 2019, such as Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon, the future of Apple's foray into movies remained doubtful.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
Some experts are keenly doubtful that those efforts will be fully successful.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Still, doulas are doubtful that the $1,200 rate is enough to cover their costs, according to Bradley.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
After delivering several flops since its inception in 2019, such as Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon, the future of Apple's foray into movies remained doubtful.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubtful
Adjective
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Officials were unsure which species these were, but both are common in Wyoming.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The video reviewed by LMPD does not have audio, so Skaggs said the department is unsure of whether anything was said.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Well, not just them: also some of our most questionable corporations.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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The clubs engaged in an arms race that many of them could not afford and which was financed either with debt or the cash of questionable characters.—
Chris Deubert,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Any appeal by Patterson was unlikely to succeed, though it could not be ruled out, Beale said on Friday.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
8 Aug. 2025
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The documentary tells the story of Philadelphia Phillies’ superfan Jon McCann, who helped inspire an unlikely 2023 standing ovation for Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, which helped turn the team around after hitting a major roadblock.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Heart Age May Not Be the Perfect Metric However, some experts are more skeptical.—
Kristen Fischer,
Health,
9 Aug. 2025
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Not only are voters more skeptical of media reports and talking points, OBBBA supporters have much more time to counter misinformation than was the case with the TCJA.—
Patrick Gleason,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Another dubious distinction is that Texas boasts an economic precariousness that the rest of those states can’t match.—
Kathryn Anne Edwards,
Mercury News,
7 Aug. 2025
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Although revenues fell short of expectations for the last quarter, earnings per share were up, due to the dubious magic of share buybacks.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Carl Anka So much about this side is debatable except in midfield and, rather perversely, up front, where even a wantaway Alexander Isak seems the best option in the medium term (if not perhaps before the window closes).—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
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While high school visits are appreciated, their necessity and effectiveness are debatable.—
Scott White,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Adjective
-
The body of a missing 15-year-old boy was discovered this week at a Detroit cemetery under suspicious circumstances.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Investigators did note that nothing suspicious was found, Rhodes said in an update.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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His analysis illustrated the highly uncertain nature of where tariff policy is leading.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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Quantum technology is still years from achieving broad commercial viability, making future revenue streams uncertain.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Doubtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubtful. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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