doubted; doubting; doubts
1
: to call into question the truth of : to be uncertain or in doubt about
He doubts everyone's word.
2
a
: to lack confidence in : distrust
… find myself doubting him even when I know that he is honest …—
H. L. Mencken
H. L. Mencken
b
: to consider unlikely
I doubt if I can go.
: to be uncertain
plural doubts
1
a
: a lack of confidence : distrust
has doubts about his abilities
b
: an inclination not to believe or accept
a claim met with doubt
2
a
: uncertainty of belief or opinion that often interferes with decision-making
b
: a deliberate suspension of judgment
3
: a state of affairs giving rise to uncertainty, hesitation, or suspense
The outcome is still in doubt.
Synonyms
Examples of doubt in a Sentence
Verb
I have always doubted the existence of life on other planets.
No one doubts that the mission will be a success.
I seriously doubt my parents will let me go.
“Do you think you can come tonight?” “I doubt it.”
She doubted his ability to succeed.
He said he could do it, but I couldn't help doubting him.
Noun
I still have moments of doubt.
There can be little doubt that smoking is bad for your health.
I had a nagging doubt in the back of my mind.
Recent Examples on the Web
Janelle Griffith, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Many are deeply concerned about the health of public institutions, and many doubt that the results of this election will be a genuine expression of the people’s will.
—Robert A. Pape, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
But just in case there were any doubts, the Lakers’ 131-114 loss, which dropped them to 4-4 overall and 1-4 on their road trip, was a reminder.
—Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for doubt 
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Verb
Neither the State Police nor the district attorney’s office would disclose what led them to doubt Mascia’s story.
—Janelle Griffith, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Many are deeply concerned about the health of public institutions, and many doubt that the results of this election will be a genuine expression of the people’s will.
—Robert A. Pape, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
The company believes there is no longer substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern due to recent business improvements and actions taken by management.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
But just in case there were any doubts, the Lakers’ 131-114 loss, which dropped them to 4-4 overall and 1-4 on their road trip, was a reminder.
—Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for doubt
Dictionary Entries Near doubt
Cite this Entry
“Doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doubt. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
doubt
2 of 2 noun1
: uncertainty of belief or opinion
2
: the state of being uncertain
the outcome is in doubt
3
a
: a lack of confidence
b
: an inclination not to believe or accept
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