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Showing results for doubtful. Search instead for doubtful/2.
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.

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

Even if the air strikes succeed in ousting the regime, either by killing its leaders or forcing them to flee, it is doubtful the successors will be any friendlier to the West.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

The lender’s A$170 million charge for bad and doubtful debts is a better result than Strong’s forecast of A$249 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

Investors have also suddenly become more doubtful about how much money these companies can continue to spend on AI.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

But it is doubtful if he has an awareness of being caught in an aerosol of chemical attract- ant.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.