1
as in questionable
giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged
any letter bearing the signature of Geronimo would be of dubious authenticity, to say the least
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reluctant
slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty
I'm dubious about our plan to go hang gliding without having had any training
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in unlikely
not likely to be true or to occur
made the dubious claim of being of royal blood
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in skeptical
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
dubious about a diet that claims I can eat all I want and still lose weight
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dubious
These garments are often made of synthetic materials (and often in dubious circumstances in terms of worker rights) but are so inexpensive that people can afford to buy many new outfits.
—
Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 11 Apr. 2025
Trump’s showerhead executive order wasn’t even the first event this week dedicated to a dubious do-over.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
While some of the online expertise is dubious (and difficult to identify as such), some advice is savvy and expertly tailored to contemporary sensibilities.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
After Deadline’s original story, Breakfast employees were told that misconduct allegations would be treated seriously, but some are dubious that action will be taken because of Frediani’s status at BBC News.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 11 Apr. 2025
Trump’s showerhead executive order wasn’t even the first event this week dedicated to a dubious do-over.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
While some of the online expertise is dubious (and difficult to identify as such), some advice is savvy and expertly tailored to contemporary sensibilities.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
After Deadline’s original story, Breakfast employees were told that misconduct allegations would be treated seriously, but some are dubious that action will be taken because of Frediani’s status at BBC News.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dubious
Adjective
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The data shows high growth but questionable profitability: AI funding reached a record $100.4 billion in 2024, with mega-rounds accounting for 69% of funding.—
Sajal Singh,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Whether that trough also brings rain with it is far more questionable.—
Rick Hurd,
Mercury News,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Man Utd fans explain their song of defiance United fans have turned to Bonnie Tyler in a season of heartache Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to discuss his own musical tastes publicly.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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Ja-young not only realizes what’s going on but accepts her grandson’s decision, becoming a reluctant ally in the charade.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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An eruption is unlikely for now Typically, gases like water and carbon dioxide can separate and form bubbles during the rise and decompression of magma.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Newsom has also asked foreign nations to exempt California from retaliatory tariffs, which experts say is unlikely.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Some are skeptical given his slight wingspan and arm length and wonder if a move to left guard may eventually be necessary.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Listen, many Gomez fans were skeptical when the singer confirmed her relationship with the prolific music producer back in December 2023.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Turner announced his new relationship on an April 2025 podcast episode Turner was initially hesitant to share the identity of his new girlfriend, but began talking about his new relationship in April 2025.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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This demonstrates how even those driving innovation are often hesitant to embrace its full implications.—
Sabeer Nelliparamban,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Overall, researchers are unsure why diabetes increases the risk of ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
18 Apr. 2025
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Approximately 26 percent of individuals surveyed were unsure.—
Filip Timotija,
The Hill,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This kind of reverse inference is the same logic your bank uses when flagging suspicious activity.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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But he’s also been deeply suspicious for years of the government’s intelligence agencies.—
Josh Funk and Haya Panjwani,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But the official was doubtful there were many who would want to take the job at a Pentagon that is in such disarray.—
Quil Lawrence,
NPR,
25 Apr. 2025
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The winner’s kids were equally doubtful, the man told lottery officials, so the man scanned the ticket to prove his million-dollar win was real.—
Kate Linderman,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dubious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dubious. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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