Synonyms for

Doubtful

Verb / ˈdaʊtfʌl / Another word for doubtful — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

uncertain or unsure about something

Synonyms & similar words

inquestion dubitable tentative dubious uncertain unsure dubious questionable ambiguous skeptical disbelieving distrustful hesitant incredulous mistrustful suspicious unclear unconvinced unreliable untrustworthy iffy doubting unbelieving wary

Synonyms by register

Formal

dubious uncertain skeptical irresolute

Informal

unsure iffy on the fence not sure

Literary

wavering hesitant perplexed

Antonyms

certain sure confident convinced positive assured unhesitating

Common collocations

  • doubtful about
  • doubtful of
  • doubtful whether
  • doubtful that
  • doubtful outcome
  • doubtful person
  • doubtful claim

Word family

noun doubt
verb doubt
adjective doubtful
adverb doubtfully

Usage note

Often followed by 'about', 'of', or 'whether/that' when expressing uncertainty regarding a specific matter. 'Doubtful' implies a lack of certainty or a strong suspicion that something is not true or will not happen.

Example sentences

  1. I am doubtful that I will finish my homework on time.
  2. She was doubtful about the outcome of the game.
  3. The teacher was doubtful about the student's excuse for not completing the assignment.
  4. He had a doubtful expression on his face when he heard the news.
  5. The scientist was doubtful of the validity of the study's results.

Quotes

  • It is better to be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
  • Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.
  • Doubt is a pain too lonely to know that faith is his twin brother.

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