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Definitions

dubious

[doo-bee-uhs, dyoo-] / ˈdu bi əs, ˈdyu- /
ADJECTIVE
doubtful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arguable debatable equivocal fishy hesitant improbable problematic questionable reluctant shady skeptical suspicious uncertain unclear unconvinced unreliable unsure
WEAK
chancy diffident disputable dubitable far-fetched fly-by-night iffy indecisive moot mootable open perplexed suspect touch and go trustless unassured undecided undependable unlikely untrustworthy untrusty wavering
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aboveboard believable certain clear definite determined honest indubious likely probable secure sure trustworthy undoubted unquestionable
WEAK
doubtless positive reliable trusty unambiguous undoubtful unobscure
ADJECTIVE
vague, unclear
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ambiguous debatable doubtful equivocal problematic
WEAK
disinclined indefinite indeterminate mistrustful obscure open problematical undecided unsettled
Antonyms
STRONGEST
certain clear definite settled sure unquestionable
WEAK
doubtless positive reliable trustworthy trusty unambiguous undoubtful unobscure

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Concern now rests upon multiple dubious candlesticks between March 16 and April 7, including three bearish engulfing candles and several dojis.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

The reconstituted group largely abandoned the framework, allowing the committee to judge evidence of dubious quality alongside large randomized controlled trials.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

They’re at the root of my being dubious of the simple and easy.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

But that would sever the subways’ supply of capital and its revenue—a dubious fix.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

She was dubious, but did as she was told, because in spite of what she told him, she did want to try it on.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Vocabulary lists containing dubious

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