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

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.

In this moment, all sides should give one another a bit of grace, perhaps even the benefit of the doubt, and take a breath. —

John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 Throughout hockey history, great players have to deal with such things and don’t always receive the benefit of the doubt from officials. —

Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 Because if Jackson is not receiving this protection and the benefit of the doubt, what is going on here? —

Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2025 Alabama continues to get the benefit of the doubt from the College Football Playoff committee. —

Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt

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“The benefit of the doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20benefit%20of%20the%20doubt. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.

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