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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dubious
Siragusa’s account of bleeding after being repeatedly hit by the robbers seemed especially dubious when Siragusa live streamed the day after the robbery and appeared to have no visible injuries or stitches.
—
Patricia Hernandez, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2025
Trump weighs in on Department of Education cuts As the U.S. Department of Education shrinks following massive layoffs at the agency, President Donald Trump and his allies continue to make dubious claims about the agency and education in the country.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
Recent antagonism toward the government workforce, however, has targeted a particular type: the office-dweller, the laptop-user, the knowledge worker who is possibly remote, possibly dead, whose products are indeterminate and, therefore, of dubious value.
—Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
During his long television career, Oz's promotion of dubious health products has gotten him into hot water.
—Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Patricia Hernandez, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2025
Trump weighs in on Department of Education cuts As the U.S. Department of Education shrinks following massive layoffs at the agency, President Donald Trump and his allies continue to make dubious claims about the agency and education in the country.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
Recent antagonism toward the government workforce, however, has targeted a particular type: the office-dweller, the laptop-user, the knowledge worker who is possibly remote, possibly dead, whose products are indeterminate and, therefore, of dubious value.
—Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
During his long television career, Oz's promotion of dubious health products has gotten him into hot water.
—Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dubious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dubious
Adjective
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Burks had been questionable earlier in the day due to back discomfort.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2025
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The star guard was listed as questionable for this game against the Pelicans and will make his return to the court.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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By casting Statham as a reluctant avatar of righteousness in a country that continues to prey on its own, and trusting that his implacable sense of honor will resonate with an audience who feel like they’ve been taken advantage of for their decency.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
26 Mar. 2025
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Amanda Knox On why some people may feel reluctant to acknowledge her innocence Acknowledging my innocence costs people something.—
Tonya Mosley,
NPR,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But with Trump’s overt hostility to all things IRA, scale-up is unlikely.—
Jim Carroll,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2025
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And while Tarantino would be unlikely to direct a film for Netflix given his insistence on theatrical exclusivity, the streaming service is Fincher’s longtime home.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But many scientists were skeptical whether the technique would pay off.—
Shi En Kim,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 Apr. 2025
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Countries across the region are justifiably skeptical of any U.S. attempt to define the boundaries of their relationships with other powers.—
MATIAS SPEKTOR,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Initially, many older women are hesitant to attempt these higher-impact movements due to osteopenia or osteoporosis.—
Melanie Curry,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Many students were hesitant at first, sticking to manual methods.—
Lutz Finger,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Anyone who was at either of the Grapevine locations March 28-30 and is unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status is at risk of contracting measles, Tarrant officials said.—
Matt Leclercq,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Apr. 2025
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Republicans were the most divided, with 31% in support, 27% in opposition and 42% unsure.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Weiss was fired in January 2023 after a report of suspicious computer activity at Schembechler Hall, Michigan’s football facility.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
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Contact the company directly through official channels, avoiding the contact information from the suspicious job listing.—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Cunningham, meanwhile, was doubtful to suit up through a left calf contusion.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2025
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One day after being listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns with a left ankle sprain, Tatum was upgraded to questionable.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dubious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dubious. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.
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