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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dubious
These garments are often made of synthetic materials (and often in dubious circumstances in terms of worker rights) but are so inexpensive that people can afford to buy many new outfits.
—
Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 11 Apr. 2025
Trump’s showerhead executive order wasn’t even the first event this week dedicated to a dubious do-over.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
While some of the online expertise is dubious (and difficult to identify as such), some advice is savvy and expertly tailored to contemporary sensibilities.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
After Deadline’s original story, Breakfast employees were told that misconduct allegations would be treated seriously, but some are dubious that action will be taken because of Frediani’s status at BBC News.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Katrina Gulliver, JSTOR Daily, 11 Apr. 2025
Trump’s showerhead executive order wasn’t even the first event this week dedicated to a dubious do-over.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
While some of the online expertise is dubious (and difficult to identify as such), some advice is savvy and expertly tailored to contemporary sensibilities.
—Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
After Deadline’s original story, Breakfast employees were told that misconduct allegations would be treated seriously, but some are dubious that action will be taken because of Frediani’s status at BBC News.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dubious
Adjective
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The deportation of Venezuelan men to a hellish mega-prison in El Salvador, on the questionable suspicion of gang affiliations, based on the presence of tattoos: flowers, a soccer logo, an autism-awareness ribbon.—
Jia Tolentino,
New Yorker,
3 May 2025
-
Or couldn’t, thanks in part to questionable player usage by coach Jim Hiller.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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Ramazani has something about him, and Leeds will be reluctant to ignore that, especially with three years still to run on his contract.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
-
But Trump has been reluctant to put too much pressure on Putin even as Russia continues to mount bloody attacks on Ukrainian civilians.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Yet such clashes are unlikely as regular-season games in the U.S.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Matt Shaw was 1-for-13 in his first four games at Iowa, so the rookie who started in Japan is unlikely to return from Des Moines any time soon.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Listen, many Gomez fans were skeptical when the singer confirmed her relationship with the prolific music producer back in December 2023.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
25 Apr. 2025
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Some are skeptical given his slight wingspan and arm length and wonder if a move to left guard may eventually be necessary.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Turner announced his new relationship on an April 2025 podcast episode Turner was initially hesitant to share the identity of his new girlfriend, but began talking about his new relationship in April 2025.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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This demonstrates how even those driving innovation are often hesitant to embrace its full implications.—
Sabeer Nelliparamban,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Investing Too Much, Too Soon AI is evolving rapidly, leaving businesses unsure whether to be pioneers, early adopters or cautious followers.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Scientists were initially unsure what was confronting them in the dark.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The individual was identified as Samuel Stovall, 51, and authorities said his death hasn't been deemed suspicious.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
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Police were called to a section of Third Street for a report of a suspicious car, and ended up finding the man’s body inside, authorities said.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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But the official was doubtful there were many who would want to take the job at a Pentagon that is in such disarray.—
Quil Lawrence,
NPR,
25 Apr. 2025
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The winner’s kids were equally doubtful, the man told lottery officials, so the man scanned the ticket to prove his million-dollar win was real.—
Kate Linderman,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dubious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dubious. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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