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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 doubtful
Three centuries later, the librarians of Alexandria took charge of the text, collating competing versions, marking doubtful lines, imposing a measure of order on the teeming verses.
—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
Sounding doubtful and defeated, Jessica hung up.
—
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
Despite Moïse Bombito once looking doubtful to play in the World Cup after breaking his leg in October and playing just 30 minutes in Canada’s warm-up friendly against Uzbekistan, the star centre-back will remain on the roster.
—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
Public approval is doubtful as New Yorkers ratified this structure in 2014 and rejected an attempt to change it in 2021.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
Sounding doubtful and defeated, Jessica hung up.
—
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
Despite Moïse Bombito once looking doubtful to play in the World Cup after breaking his leg in October and playing just 30 minutes in Canada’s warm-up friendly against Uzbekistan, the star centre-back will remain on the roster.
—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
Public approval is doubtful as New Yorkers ratified this structure in 2014 and rejected an attempt to change it in 2021.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for doubtful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubtful
Adjective
-
Standards are high at the Etihad Stadium after 10 years of Guardiola and Manchester City is counting on Maresca being the right man to keep this going even if many of the club’s own supporters are unsure.
-
People are unsure about the industry for good reason, with everything happening with AI and in the world.
Adjective
-
During oral arguments, attorneys for both trans athletes had questionable moments.
-
If the debt isn't actually yours, is too old to be legally enforceable or is otherwise questionable, negotiating may do more harm than good.
Adjective
-
An unlikely combination of right-hander Gavin Hollowell, lefty Caleb Thielbar and right-hander Trent Thornton kept the Padres off the board over the final 2 2/3 innings to keep the game tied for the Cubs’ offense.
-
His workload and efficiency have been invaluable, and demoting seems unlikely.
Adjective
-
However, disputable refereeing decisions, especially in the matches against Italy and Spain, led to allegations that South Korea may have benefited from favorable officiating.
-
Speech — Intimidation as censorship The First Amendment protects disputable speech, not agreeable.
Adjective
-
When Axsome went public in 2015, Wall Street was skeptical and the company’s stock puttered along under $10 for years.
-
Contrary to what the public has been led to believe, America’s Founding Fathers were skeptical and anxious about democracy.
Adjective
-
The detective was dubious that a rape had occurred, according to his preliminary report.
-
In multiple lawsuits that are now combined, Nutex investors accuse the company of hiding its partnership with HaloMD and say the dubious arrangement exposes the company to further legal risks.
Adjective
-
Whether these features will be useful in your daily life is debatable.
-
Whether Nurse is a good enough player to do that is debatable.
Adjective
-
Large-scale events involve tabletop exercises with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency managers and venue officials running through countless scenarios — evacuations, suspicious packages, drones and crowd surges.
-
Residents who witness suspicious activity can contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 or call 911 when appropriate.
Cite this Entry
“Doubtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doubtful. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
