the benefit of the doubt
noun phrase
: the state of accepting something/someone as honest or deserving of trust even though there are doubts
He might be lying, but we have to give him the benefit of the doubt and accept what he says for now.
Examples of the benefit of the doubt in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Freeling — given the investment made in him — should receive the benefit of the doubt in that competition, despite his inexperience.
—
Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Hortiz has drafted well enough so far with the Chargers to earn the benefit of the doubt.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
And now the benefit of the doubt has been taken away.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Emotionally secure people generously give others the benefit of the doubt.
—Jessica Weiss, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026
Hortiz has drafted well enough so far with the Chargers to earn the benefit of the doubt.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
And now the benefit of the doubt has been taken away.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Emotionally secure people generously give others the benefit of the doubt.
—Jessica Weiss, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
Cite this Entry
“The benefit of the doubt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20benefit%20of%20the%20doubt. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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