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
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
Nobody doubts either that Ukraine has an ample supply of FPV drones with enough range – 12 miles or more – to hit any artillery once it is found.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024
But there are some doubts about the accuracy of Ukraine’s reports.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for doubt 
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Verb
Poor young Kevin never saw reason to doubt Brendan’s word.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
Nobody doubts either that Ukraine has an ample supply of FPV drones with enough range – 12 miles or more – to hit any artillery once it is found.
—David Hambling, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
Republican senators also appeared Wednesday to be giving Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, Pete Hegseth, some benefit of the doubt.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024
But there are some doubts about the accuracy of Ukraine’s reports.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 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 28 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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