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
The Red Sox have lost the benefit of the doubt, and there’s plenty of that hanging around Fenway.
—
Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 13 June 2026
Supporters of Anthony have argued Rittenhouse was given the benefit of the doubt while Anthony was not for racial reasons, pointing out Rittenhouse was immediately supported by the conservative base while Anthony was widely condemned before trial.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
There is a warmer, almost vulnerable quality to the day, encouraging everything from forgiveness and compassion to the willingness to give others the benefit of the doubt.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Given its track record, Alphabet has earned the benefit of the doubt, at least for now.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 13 June 2026
Supporters of Anthony have argued Rittenhouse was given the benefit of the doubt while Anthony was not for racial reasons, pointing out Rittenhouse was immediately supported by the conservative base while Anthony was widely condemned before trial.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
There is a warmer, almost vulnerable quality to the day, encouraging everything from forgiveness and compassion to the willingness to give others the benefit of the doubt.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
Given its track record, Alphabet has earned the benefit of the doubt, at least for now.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 2 June 2026
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 20 Jun. 2026.
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