Synonyms for dubious
ˈdu bi əs, ˈdyu-du·bi·ous

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:2.0 / 1 vote

1. dubious

   Equivocal (Latin equus, equal, and vox, voice, word) denotes that which may equally well be understood in either of two or more ways. Ambiguous (Latin ambi, around, and ago, drive, lead) signifies lacking in distinctness or certainty, obscure or doubtful through indefiniteness of expression. Ambiguous is applied only to spoken or written statements; equivocal has other applications. A statement is ambiguous when it leaves the mind of the reader or hearer to fluctuate between two meanings, which would fit the language equally well; it is equivocal when it would naturally be understood in one way, but is capable of a different interpretation; an equivocal expression is, as a rule, intentionally deceptive, while an ambiguous utterance may be simply the result of a want either of clear thought or of adequate expression. That which is enigmatical must be guessed like a riddle; a statement may be purposely made enigmatical in order to provoke thought and study. That is doubtful which is fairly open to doubt; that is dubious which has become the subject of doubts so grave as scarcely to fall short of condemnation; as, a dubious reputation. Questionable may be used nearly in the sense either of dubious or of doubtful; a questionable statement is one that must be proved before it can be accepted. To say that one's honesty is questionable is a mild way of saying that in the opinion of the speaker he is likely to prove dishonest. Equivocal is sometimes, tho more rarely, used in this sense. A suspicious character gives manifest reason to be suspected; a suspicious temper is inclined to suspect the motives and intentions of others, with or without reason. Compare CLEAR.

   Synonyms:
   ambiguous, doubtful, enigmatic, enigmatical, equivocal, indefinite, indeterminate, indistinct, obscure, perplexing, questionable, suspicious, uncertain

   Antonyms:
   certain, clear, distinct, evident, indisputable, indubitable, lucid, manifest, obvious, perspicuous, plain, unambiguous, unequivocal, unquestionable, unquestioned

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:1.0 / 1 vote

1. doubtful, dubiousadjective

   fraught with uncertainty or doubt

   "they were doubtful that the cord would hold"; "it was doubtful whether she would be admitted"; "dubious about agreeing to go"

   Synonyms:
   tentative, in question(p), doubtful, dubitable

   Antonyms:
   certain(p), sure, unquestionable, convinced

2. doubtful, dubious, dubitable, in question(p)adjective

   open to doubt or suspicion

   "the candidate's doubtful past"; "he has a dubious record indeed"; "what one found uncertain the other found dubious or downright false"; "it was more than dubitable whether the friend was as influential as she thought"- Karen Horney

   Antonyms:
   sure, unquestionable, convinced, certain(p)

3. dubiousadjective

   not convinced

   "they admitted the force of my argument but remained dubious"

   Synonyms:
   doubtful, in question(p), dubitable

   Antonyms:
   convinced, sure, certain(p), unquestionable

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. dubiousadjective

   Synonyms:
   uncertain, doubtful, equivocal, ambiguous, not plain, not clear

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. dubiousadjective

   Synonyms:
   undetermined, undecided, doubtful, equivocal, questionable, vague

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "dubious":

   questionable, doubtful, suspicious, in-doubt, debatable, shady, suspect, dodgy, uncertain, ambiguous, murky, controversial, contestable, unsavoury, impaired

Concise Medical Dictionary, by Joseph C Segen, MDRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. dubious

   Synonyms:
   Unproven, see there
   

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How to use dubious in a sentence?

1. Andrew Sakharov:

   Profound insights arise only in debate, with a possibility of counterargument, only when there is a possibility of expressing not only correct ideas but also dubious ideas.

2. Ria Tabacco Mar:

   The mail policy is based on the dubious notion that gay prisoners pose a security threat simply for being who they are and the equally absurd idea that reading about gay people will somehow make you gay, gay people are no more likely to pose a threat than anyone else.

3. Derek Chollet:

   I think that it is tempting always in hindsight to say Libya would be better somehow if we had not intervened, i think that is a highly dubious proposition. It is one where, had we not intervened, the conversation we would be having is thousands and thousands of people died and Libya looks like Syria.

4. Colette:

   But just as delicate fare does not stop you from craving for saveloys, so tried and exquisite friendship does not take away your taste for something new and dubious.

5. Jesse Hunt:

   Democratic voters have shown that they are certainly energized in a lot of these special elections, but as it pertains to Montana you have a strong candidate in Greg Gianforte who has a strong message that appeals to a broad swath of Montana voters contrasted with a liberal musician with a dubious financial past.