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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
His claims were dubious and hyperbolic, but in both of his successful campaigns, Trump correctly recognized what many pundits, politicians, and liberals failed to see: The Democratic Party establishment’s foreign-policy positions are out of step with the views of most Americans.
—
Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025
But the mark also represented Hackman's inability to turn down dubious projects.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Connecticut now holds the dubious distinction of having the worst regulatory environment in the country, with unaffordable electric bills and toxic relations between PURA and utility companies.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
Such was the case for one unfortunate man in China who made the near-fatal decision to eat some dubious street food.
—ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 18 June 2025
But the mark also represented Hackman's inability to turn down dubious projects.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Connecticut now holds the dubious distinction of having the worst regulatory environment in the country, with unaffordable electric bills and toxic relations between PURA and utility companies.
—Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
Such was the case for one unfortunate man in China who made the near-fatal decision to eat some dubious street food.
—ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dubious
Adjective
-
With questionable Dolphins secondary, can better pass rush make up for the back end?—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
15 July 2025
-
The hardcore wipe in Escape From Tarkov got off to a rough start, with some questionable decisions or simple oversights that really hampered the player experience.—
Mike Stubbs,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Knowing why people are reluctant to come back is just as critical as deciding how to bring them back.—
Dr. Adil Dalal,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
What To Know Real estate agents who spoke to Redfin said buyers are becoming reluctant to finalize purchases due to economic uncertainties, in particular high mortgage rates, the potential impacts of tariffs, inflation and the possibility of a recession in the near future.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
So worst-case would be a fifth-place finish, which is unlikely.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Trump is unlikely to allow India’s policy toward Ukraine to determine the future of a U.S.-India deal or a thaw in trade tensions, for example, and likewise with China.—
Thomas Wright,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Coastal elites are always skeptical about whether a fast-growth, deep tech company can be built in the Midwest.—
Kathleen Gallagher,
jsonline.com,
15 July 2025
-
In their interviews with town businessmen, the Sodality women try to convince the men that more hygienic practices will actually improve their bottom line, but the men are skeptical: why do anything new?—
Deborah Williams
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Florida dominates the list of America’s most distressed housing markets, facing a toxic cocktail of oversupply, climate risk, and rising insurance premiums that have made even enthusiastic buyers hesitant to commit.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
-
This limited series will have you a little more hesitant to book your next national park trip.—
Rebecca Aizin,
People.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
Local media outlets earlier in the day said that Ishiba was unsure of his future and would take a call on whether to continue as prime minister in August.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
23 July 2025
-
If the Dodgers are unable to make a deal with Cleveland, there are other options on the market, but many teams are unsure of their path leading up to the trade deadline.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
Adjective
-
Turquoise Alerts are for missing endangered persons under 65 in suspicious circumstances, while Silver Alerts are for those 65+ or with cognitive disabilities.—
Wren Smetana,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
-
Police said in a news conference that there were no signs of suspicious activity in his death and an investigation is ongoing.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Moments before the ceremony, her attendance was doubtful.—
Ronda Racha Penrice,
HollywoodReporter,
14 July 2025
-
Some experts are keenly doubtful that those efforts will be fully successful.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dubious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dubious. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share