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 Suggs’ injury update Jalen Suggs left Saturday’s game less than two minutes into the second quarter and was listed as doubtful to return due to a sore left hamstring. —

Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Nov. 2024 Monk, who has missed a handful of games with a bad ankle sprain, is also on the precipice of a return, doubtful for Friday but not ruled out. —

Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024 Brooks is officially doubtful to return with what is being called a knee injury. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024 And the people around him, ecstatic around this choice, the people, the close advisers -- although there were many doubtful as to whether this is a pick that’s going to be confirmed. —

ABC News, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for doubtful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for doubtful

Adjective

The bus originated in Atlanta but had around six or seven stops on the way, and investigators are unsure where the man got on, Kenny said.

Phil Helsel, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
About 27 percent said Americans were responsible for finding their own coverage, while 19 percent were unsure or skipped the question.

Tara Suter, The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024