DOUBTFUL Synonyms: 144 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'doubtful' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of doubtful are dubious , problematic , and questionable . While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty. // doubtful about whether I said the right thing

Q: When is 'dubious' a more appropriate choice than 'doubtful'?

The words dubious and doubtful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation. // dubious about the practicality of the scheme

Q: When is it sensible to use 'problematic' instead of 'doubtful'?

While the synonyms problematic and doubtful are close in meaning, problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain. // whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

Q: When would 'questionable' be a good substitute for 'doubtful'?

While in some cases nearly identical to doubtful , questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded. // a man of questionable honesty

doubtful

adjective

ˈdau̇t-fəl

Definition of doubtful next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in questionable

giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged the election results were highly doubtful, so an investigation was begun

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as in unlikely

not likely to be true or to occur our winning the championship increasingly looks like a doubtful outcome

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as in disputable

open to question or dispute a doubtful claim to the property

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective doubtful contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of doubtful are dubious, problematic, and questionable. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

When is dubious a more appropriate choice than doubtful?

The words dubious and doubtful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When is it sensible to use problematic instead of doubtful?

While the synonyms problematic and doubtful are close in meaning, problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

When would questionable be a good substitute for doubtful?

While in some cases nearly identical to doubtful, questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man of questionable honesty

Examples 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 Whether those scenes will matter going forward seems especially doubtful. —

James Grebey, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024 But analysts at Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley are doubtful on whether that lofty target can be met. —

Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024 Previously tonight, safety Tony Adams (hamstring) and offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) were both downgraded as doubtful to return. 22h ago / 7:29 PM PDT Copied Share Beanie Bishop Jr. —

Andrew Greif, NBC News, 21 Oct. 2024 Nose tackle Vita Vea (knee) is doubtful after being a limited participant on Friday despite not practicing on Wednesday and Thursday. —

Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for doubtful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubtful

Adjective

The Nuggets were unsure when Jokic would re-join the team as of Friday evening before the opening tip.

Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
This fear and trauma have left her feeling isolated and unsure of how to seek help.

Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024