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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective questionable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of questionable are doubtful, dubious, and problematic. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man of questionable honesty

Where would doubtful be a reasonable alternative to questionable?

The words doubtful and questionable can be used in similar contexts, but doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

In what contexts can dubious take the place of questionable?

While the synonyms dubious and questionable are close in meaning, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When is it sensible to use problematic instead of questionable?

The synonyms problematic and questionable are sometimes interchangeable, but problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of questionable This has all taken place as the Paramount-Skydance merger has gone through and after Paramount settled with Trump over a questionable lawsuit targeting 60 Minutes. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025 It's used as a term of praise to compliment someone's appearance or performance. Sus (adjective): Short for suspicious, something or someone questionable. Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Among the other questionable expenditures: Records show the Kings County committee spent $77,576.12 during Seddio’s tenure via Signature Bank with no purpose code or explanation listed. Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 10 Aug. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for questionable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for questionable
Adjective
  • Literary adaptations are usually a dubious prospect.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 22 Aug. 2025
  • And also highly unlikely, given Trump’s ambivalence and dubious European resolve.
    Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Such retirees will not have to file for bankruptcy protection to shield their future practice income, and there is unlikely to be more than a single creditor so as to forestall an involuntary bankruptcy filing.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • And yet, with the Fed having already signaled that a September rate cut may be on the table, even with the expectation of higher inflation, markets are unlikely to be too ruffled by that disclosure.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • While high school visits are appreciated, their necessity and effectiveness are debatable.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Now, the Bengals are expected to field offers, as a trade is no longer as doubtful to happen.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Players will be designated as available, probable, questionable, doubtful or out.
    Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Previous reports by other news outlets have highlighted problematic behaviors by Meta chatbots related to children.
    Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Which is to say, restricted access is problematic when the conditions of those restrictions aren’t in accord with U.S. antitrust law.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Key Facts Abrego Garcia, who was born in El Salvador but lived in Maryland when the Trump administration mistakenly deported him in March, was released from federal custody Friday but still faces trial on criminal charges brought by the administration during his controversial removal.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Trump administration officials strutted through Union Station amid its deployment of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., arguing the controversial action is bringing down crime.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 23 Aug. 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
  • Investigators did note that nothing suspicious was found, Rhodes said in an update.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Questionable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/questionable. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on questionable

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