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
Goalkeepers are often given the benefit of the doubt in such situations because of the nature of their role.
—
Oliver Kay, New York Times, 6 July 2025
For now, investors seem willing to give Musk the benefit of the doubt with the stock still trading over 110 times next year’s consensus earnings estimate of $2.83 per share—a multiple reserved for only a select few high growth stocks like Palantir.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 3 July 2025
Katzenbach and Smith go through the obvious teamwork values of listening, giving others the benefit of the doubt, providing support, recognizing the achievement of others, etc.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
However, these four companies are currently being given the benefit of the doubt.
—Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the benefit of the doubt
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Oliver Kay, New York Times, 6 July 2025
For now, investors seem willing to give Musk the benefit of the doubt with the stock still trading over 110 times next year’s consensus earnings estimate of $2.83 per share—a multiple reserved for only a select few high growth stocks like Palantir.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 3 July 2025
Katzenbach and Smith go through the obvious teamwork values of listening, giving others the benefit of the doubt, providing support, recognizing the achievement of others, etc.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
However, these four companies are currently being given the benefit of the doubt.
—Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
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 19 Jul. 2025.
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