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Definitions

doubtful

[dout-fuhl] / ˈdaʊt fəl /
ADJECTIVE
questionable, unclear
Synonyms
STRONGEST
debatable dicey dubious hazy indecisive insecure precarious problematic suspicious uncertain undecided uneasy unsettled unstable unsure
WEAK
ambiguous borderline chancy clouded contingent disreputable doubtable dubitable equivocal far-fetched fat chance fishy hazardous iffy impugnable inconclusive indefinite indeterminate indistinct long shot obscure on thin ice open pending shady sneaky speculative suspect touch-and-go touchy unconfirmed up for grabs
Antonyms
STRONGEST
certain clear decided definite determined indubious safe secure settled stable strong sure trustworthy trusty undoubted
WEAK
believing confirmed convinced exact resolved trusting unquestionable
ADJECTIVE
not believing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dubious hesitant indecisive puzzled skeptical suspicious tentative uncertain unconvinced undecided unsettled unsure
WEAK
agnostic baffled confused discomposed disconcerted distracted distrustful disturbed doubting equivocal faithless faltering flustered hesitating in a quandary in clouds in dilemma irresolute like doubting Thomas lost not following of two minds perplexed questioning theoretical troubled unresolved vacillating wavering without belief
Antonyms
STRONGEST
certain clear decided decisive definite determined secure settled sure trustworthy trusty undoubted
WEAK
believing confident confirmed convinced exact resolved trusting unquestionable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yet the poll panel used a new, AI-driven process to flag what it called "logical discrepancies" in their records, treating them as doubtful voters.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

The company is so “heavily embedded” in the modern landscape, he said, and he’s doubtful that will change even as new technologies emerge.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Crude futures rose as the market remained doubtful about U.S. efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict with Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

If things take a turn for the worse, it is doubtful he has the wisdom and gravitas to handle it.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

But it was not her business to think for me, or to seek a place for me: besides, in her eyes, how doubtful must have appeared my character, position, tale.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Vocabulary lists containing doubtful

Confused

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