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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dubious
But eliminating the penny via a social media post isn’t just legally dubious.
—
Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2025
To make all of this a little more ethically dubious, add in the fact that in the creator economy, attention equals money.
—Kelsey McKinney, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
Vaccine backers are dubious that Cassidy will have much influence over Kennedy if he is confirmed as secretary of Health and Human Services.
—Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025
Previously, the 2008 Sayre Fire in Sylmar that destroyed 604 structures held that dubious distinction.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2025
To make all of this a little more ethically dubious, add in the fact that in the creator economy, attention equals money.
—Kelsey McKinney, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
Vaccine backers are dubious that Cassidy will have much influence over Kennedy if he is confirmed as secretary of Health and Human Services.
—Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025
Previously, the 2008 Sayre Fire in Sylmar that destroyed 604 structures held that dubious distinction.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dubious
Adjective
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Despite the buzz around e-fuels as an alternative, their viability remains questionable.—
Ethan Stone,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Cincinnati The decision to hire Scott Satterfield was questionable, and nothing during his Bearcats tenure has changed those initial doubts, as Satterfield is 8-16 in two seasons.—
Antonio Morales,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Here is another gloomy spaceship, abounding in grim experiments and hostile personalities, with Pattinson once more playing a reluctant space traveller.—
Justin Chang,
The New Yorker,
28 Feb. 2025
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Try Audiobooks--Audiobooks improve pronunciation, fluency and comprehension while making stories more engaging for reluctant readers.—
Linetta Jackson Special to the Democrat-Gazette,
arkansasonline.com,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Investors in the German automotive industry can relax as Sunday’s general election produced a result unlikely to frighten the horses.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
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The results spell an unlikely third-act triumph for the 69-year-old, who just seven years ago was seen as a failed politician fully reconciled to ending his career as a wealthy lobbyist and member of numerous company boards.—
Thomas Escritt,
USA TODAY,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But Gregory remains skeptical, and while Tea might not be my favorite person, the way Dr. G is shifting blame and disrespecting his wife is hard to ignore.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
24 Feb. 2025
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Some experts and victims’ relatives remain skeptical that the suspects arrested were the true perpetrators.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Republicans remain hesitant to support any sort of tax increases, and the General Assembly is focused on Hurricane Helene disaster recovery and crafting a budget.—
Alexandria Sands,
Axios,
24 Feb. 2025
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For those still feeling hesitant, beginning a hobby in the privacy of your home can help ease discomfort.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Initially, as The Times previously reported, prison staff were unsure where to house the detainees or how best to keep them separate from other prisoners.—
Keri Blakinger,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2025
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If you are not fully vaccinated or are unsure of your status, your doctor may recommend a measles booster.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The Context Since Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, a series of mysterious deaths have claimed the lives of prominent Russian figures, including tycoons, businessmen and oil executives—many of whom reportedly fell from windows under suspicious circumstances.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
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The fire seemed suspicious, police said, and the fire marshal reportedly requested that arson detectives from West Hartford Police and the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosive Investigative Unit investigate.—
From Staff Reports,
Hartford Courant,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Skipper Lewis Dunk, deputy captain Danny Welbeck, and Dutch right-back Joel Veltman remain doubtful for tomorrow night’s home game against Bournemouth.—
Andy Naylor,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
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South Africans Kagiso Rabada and David Miller are also among the big names that will be missing, while Steven Smith has been retained by Freedom although his availability is doubtful given his international commitments.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dubious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dubious. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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