QUESTIONABLE Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'questionable' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of questionable are doubtful , dubious , and problematic . While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded. // a man of questionable honesty

Q: Where would 'doubtful' be a reasonable alternative to 'questionable'?

The words doubtful and questionable can be used in similar contexts, but doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty. // doubtful about whether I said the right thing

Q: In what contexts can 'dubious' take the place of 'questionable'?

While the synonyms dubious and questionable are close in meaning, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation. // dubious about the practicality of the scheme

Q: When is it sensible to use 'problematic' instead of 'questionable'?

The synonyms problematic and questionable are sometimes interchangeable, but problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain. // whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

questionable

adjective

ˈkwes-chə-nə-bəl

Definition of questionable next

as in dubious

giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged the runner's unexpected first-place finish is questionable, so a drug test has been ordered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unlikely

not likely to be true or to occur it's questionable that he will show up tonight considering all the bad weather we're having

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in debatable

open to question or dispute whether it will rain today or not is questionable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective questionable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of questionable are doubtful, dubious, and problematic. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man of questionable honesty

Where would doubtful be a reasonable alternative to questionable?

The words doubtful and questionable can be used in similar contexts, but doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

In what contexts can dubious take the place of questionable?

While the synonyms dubious and questionable are close in meaning, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When is it sensible to use problematic instead of questionable?

The synonyms problematic and questionable are sometimes interchangeable, but problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

Examples 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 questionable He is officially listed as questionable to return due to a shoulder injury. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 The four individuals were on Iowa’s list of questionable registrations. —

Ella Lee, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024 There's nothing in the footage about that questionable ghost, though! —

Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 3 Nov. 2024 Kevin Jennings, who injured a knee against Duke last week, is questionable. —

Tom Layberger, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for questionable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for questionable

Adjective

Legitimate news is widely regarded as fake, and dubious news is regarded as real.

Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Outside looking in The dubious distinction of being the first team outside the top 12 looking in belongs to No. 13 SMU, who are tied with Miami atop the ACC standings and still control their own destiny of playing their way into the bracket.

David Close, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024