Definition of questionablenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective questionable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of questionable are doubtful, dubious, and problematic. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man of questionable honesty

Where would doubtful be a reasonable alternative to questionable?

The words doubtful and questionable can be used in similar contexts, but doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

In what contexts can dubious take the place of questionable?

While the synonyms dubious and questionable are close in meaning, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When is it sensible to use problematic instead of questionable?

The synonyms problematic and questionable are sometimes interchangeable, but problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

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 questionable And the audio and video recording of women is a questionable feature of every camp – even if the men here don’t see it that way. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 June 2026 And the majority of students who require calculus for their eventual major end up retaking the introductory college course anyway—suggesting that the high school rush to calculus provides questionable academic benefit for most who undertake it. Scott White, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 There, the stunts grew more elaborate and extreme, and the injuries suffered by a group of best friends with questionable judgment only became more severe. Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026 The Rockets needed an offensive firepower boost in the backcourt, and Thornton was probably the best bet available, even if his defense is questionable because of his size. Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for questionable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for questionable
Adjective
  • The detective was dubious that a rape had occurred, according to his preliminary report.
    Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
  • 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.
    Tara Bannow, STAT, 29 June 2026
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.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • His workload and efficiency have been invaluable, and demoting seems unlikely.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Whether these features will be useful in your daily life is debatable.
    Christian de Looper, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026
  • Whether Nurse is a good enough player to do that is debatable.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 24 June 2026
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.
    Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026
  • Speech — Intimidation as censorship The First Amendment protects disputable speech, not agreeable.
    Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Reece James and Jarell Quansah are both doubtful due to injury, and Tino Livramento is out of the tournament entirely.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Jimmy sounds doubtful that Carmy will agree to it.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • In a 2025 report issued on Tuesday, the intelligence agency said there were no indications that the party had backed off its problematic views.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • This is where overly conservative portfolios can become problematic.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • In a controversial move, the Department of Education last year decided that certain healthcare studies – such as nursing, physician assistants and physical therapy – were not considered professional programs.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • One of the most controversial things to happen in sports over the last five to seven years or so is the introduction of jersey ads.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
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.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Residents who witness suspicious activity can contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 or call 911 when appropriate.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Questionable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/questionable. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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