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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dubious
In the past few years, several scandals of corruption, dubious loans and funds misused in certain UN agencies have pointed to deep structural weaknesses in financial oversight and ethics enforcement.
—
Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 2025
This new and evolving embrace of secular messaging arguably explains why so many Christians are warming up to (and pushing up the charts) country and rock artists who, despite referencing Jesus here and there in their lyrics, would once have been viewed by them as morally dubious.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 8 July 2025
This attempt to abandon hundreds of years of history and precedent was based on the dubious claim that birthright citizens were not subject to the laws of the United States, meaning that if a birthright citizen murdered someone, he could not be prosecuted here.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025
In his regulation dark navy blazer, Prince George is in command, if slightly dubious about the goings on, at the oak desk of the rail.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 2025
This new and evolving embrace of secular messaging arguably explains why so many Christians are warming up to (and pushing up the charts) country and rock artists who, despite referencing Jesus here and there in their lyrics, would once have been viewed by them as morally dubious.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 8 July 2025
This attempt to abandon hundreds of years of history and precedent was based on the dubious claim that birthright citizens were not subject to the laws of the United States, meaning that if a birthright citizen murdered someone, he could not be prosecuted here.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025
In his regulation dark navy blazer, Prince George is in command, if slightly dubious about the goings on, at the oak desk of the rail.
—Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dubious
Adjective
-
Radically Simplify Recruitment & Marketing The vast machinery of admissions – glossy brochures, armies of recruiters crisscrossing the country, sophisticated enrollment management systems – consumes enormous resources with questionable ROI.—
Scott White,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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And Manu Garcia was added to the injury list as questionable late in the week, as well.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
27 July 2025
Adjective
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Knowing why people are reluctant to come back is just as critical as deciding how to bring them back.—
Dr. Adil Dalal,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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What To Know Real estate agents who spoke to Redfin said buyers are becoming reluctant to finalize purchases due to economic uncertainties, in particular high mortgage rates, the potential impacts of tariffs, inflation and the possibility of a recession in the near future.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Depending on the source, Texas currently has anywhere between 300 and 400 data centers currently in operation in the state, and the growth is unlikely to slow.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
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Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas, the two remaining veterans with full no-trade statuses, are also unlikely to be traded.—
Katie Woo,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Some students might be tempted to argue against it entirely, assuming that admissions officers will favor this kind of response or be skeptical of those who express too favorable views of the technology.—
Christopher Rim,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
-
That made some residents skeptical because no additions or renovations to the University Building are expected to be part of the development.—
Richard Requena,
Chicago Tribune,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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More: Mount Clemens, once known for mineral baths and roses, is having a $6.5M moment While housing inventory is rising, Ayers points out that many buyers remain hesitant to jump on new listings due to widespread affordability concerns.—
Brendel Clark,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
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If your manager is hesitant, suggest a trial period of 30 to 90 days, says Frana.—
Sharon Wu,
USA Today,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Local media outlets earlier in the day said that Ishiba was unsure of his future and would take a call on whether to continue as prime minister in August.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
23 July 2025
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If the Dodgers are unable to make a deal with Cleveland, there are other options on the market, but many teams are unsure of their path leading up to the trade deadline.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Turquoise Alerts are for missing endangered persons under 65 in suspicious circumstances, while Silver Alerts are for those 65+ or with cognitive disabilities.—
Wren Smetana,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
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Cops said an investigation began when a woman who had recently paid for a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party noticed about $100 worth of suspicious charges on her credit card, the Democrat reported.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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That chain of events is doubtful since Verstappen backed Horner in the media days before the firing.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
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Moments before the ceremony, her attendance was doubtful.—
Ronda Racha Penrice,
HollywoodReporter,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dubious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dubious. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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