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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective dubious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of dubious are doubtful, problematic, and questionable. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When would doubtful be a good substitute for dubious?

The meanings of doubtful and dubious largely overlap; however, doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

Where would problematic be a reasonable alternative to dubious?

While in some cases nearly identical to dubious, problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

When could questionable be used to replace dubious?

The words questionable and dubious can be used in similar contexts, but questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man of questionable honesty

Example 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 dubious Doctors prescribe it to ease symptoms of testosterone deficiency — among them weight gain, muscle loss and depression — but dubious clinics also sell the therapy as a cure-all for a crisis of masculinity. The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 After a bitter dispute over Walker’s dubious work ethic, the duo ended their partnership in 1909. Sean Kingsley, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Apr. 2025 Try the dubious-looking but magical house dressing, and be sure to dip your salad’s oversized croutons into it for good measure. Katie Akin, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, Majors continued his romance with Good, who provided a kind of dubious moral cover. Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dubious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dubious
Adjective
  • Wiggins was listed as questionable on the injury report before being upgraded to available.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But one thing’s for sure: if trouble runs on espresso martinis and questionable decisions, this crew has already paid the tab.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But some patients there are reluctant to be tested for measles, limiting abilities to capture the full scale and epidemiology of the outbreak.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Many corporate leaders have thus far been reluctant to openly criticize the Trump Administration's agenda.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With a Labour government entrenched until at least 2029, that’s unlikely to happen anytime, but the big brands are also big planners, and always thinking about the success of the next generation.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That means consumers and businesses are unlikely to see any relief on loan rates in the near term, although economists are penciling in cuts later in the year, with the majority forecasting a reduction at the Fed's June 18 meeting.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Buffalo also had an inspiring end to the season two years ago, and that’s what has made fans skeptical that this late-season run means much.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But people remain skeptical, and some commentary isn't helping.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Lu and experts predict that in tighter times, Americans will likely be more hesitant both to buy new clothes and to donate their old ones.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Amanda Peet and Olivia Munn aren't hesitant to throw down.
    Brianne Tracy, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Overall, researchers are unsure why diabetes increases the risk of ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Some are unsure if their application is still valid.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • At least 11 cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea within 15 months, the alliance heavily suspicious of Russian influence.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Arrow Cross officers patrolled, checking papers, suspicious police officers making sure there were no Jews where they weren’t supposed to be when they weren’t supposed to be there.
    Gabra Zackman Emma Kehlbeck Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Jamal Murray’s injury Nuggets guard Jamal Murray is doubtful due to right hamstring imflammation after missing the past five games.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • While Carvana has posted upside earnings surprises in the past, the investor was doubtful that will be repeated.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dubious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dubious. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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