dubious

/ˈdjuːbi.əs/adjective

Causing doubt; seeming unlikely to be true or honest.

Example sentences

“The website was full of dubious health advice with no sources.”
“I'm a bit dubious about his excuse for missing the meeting.”

Works two ways: a dubious claim invites doubt, while a person who is dubious feels it. 'Dubious honor' is an ironic set phrase.

Featured as word of the day on January 11, 2026.

Synonyms for dubious

doubtful
questionable
suspicious
shady

Antonyms

reliable
trustworthy

Related words

incredulousUnwilling or unable to believe something; showing doubt.droughtA long stretch of time with far less rain than normal, worse and longer than an ordinary dry spell.drearyDull and gloomy in a way that makes you feel sad or bored.dreadTo feel great fear or deep anxiety about something that is going to happen.downfallA sudden loss of power, wealth, or success; the thing that causes such a collapse.dourSerious, unfriendly, and severe in manner or appearance.