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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective questionable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of questionable are doubtful, dubious, and problematic. While all these words mean "not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something," questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded.

a man of questionable honesty

Where would doubtful be a reasonable alternative to questionable?

The words doubtful and questionable can be used in similar contexts, but doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty.

doubtful about whether I said the right thing

In what contexts can dubious take the place of questionable?

While the synonyms dubious and questionable are close in meaning, dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

dubious about the practicality of the scheme

When is it sensible to use problematic instead of questionable?

The synonyms problematic and questionable are sometimes interchangeable, but problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain.

whether the project will ever be finished is problematic

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of questionable From the controversial trade itself to frustrating public comments and questionable roster decisions, it's been a rocky few months. Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 Canada’s questionable defending on the play is worth noting, though. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 22 June 2025 Not saying at all that Bennett was a questionable pick, no, but fans deserve their say, too, and that’s where Mr. Poll Dance comes in. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025 In any event, the freewheeling atmosphere in Texas seems to have attracted businesses with questionable pedigrees. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for questionable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for questionable
Adjective
  • But the mark also represented Hackman's inability to turn down dubious projects.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • Connecticut now holds the dubious distinction of having the worst regulatory environment in the country, with unaffordable electric bills and toxic relations between PURA and utility companies.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game is much mythologized in NBA lore, but his extremely unlikely performance at the foul line that night isn’t recognized often.
    Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
  • Defeat to the Netherlands would eliminate them (unless Wales were to beat France, leaving England praying for an unlikely 9-3-3-3 group and scraping through in second, which simply isn’t going to happen).
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • While the films’ impact on government policy and/or public opinion is debatable, movies large and small have been at the forefront of some of the 21st century’s most difficult conversations.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 25 June 2025
  • How much coffee per day leads to healthy aging is debatable.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ticketing companies show support for Donald Trump's executive order, others prove to be doubtful of 'meaningful change' Live Nation, parent company of Ticketmaster, issued a statement supporting Trump's executive order and calling for a cap on resale prices.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
  • After delivering several flops since its inception in 2019, such as Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon, the future of Apple's foray into movies remained doubtful.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Storied but problematic luxury Italian sports carmaker Maserati is not for sale; yet.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • What really matters is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s problematic language -- specifically, his casual gendering of the American B-2 bombing crews.
    Becket Adams, National Review, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Delegates avoided any controversial subjects that might trigger Washington’s ire, analysts said.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 6 July 2025
  • The timing coincides with Iran's controversial suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and reports of major internet disruptions across the country, suggesting ongoing tensions and potential preparations for future diplomatic or military developments.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, security teams must expand visibility with tools that monitor AI use, flag suspicious behavior and inventory every AI-enabled app.
    Jason Vest, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Why else, the night Mrs. Palit invited us to dinner, did my eyes fall on suspicious dark objects, not much larger than prominent flecks of salt, in the dal?
    Jhumpa Lahiri, New Yorker, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Questionable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/questionable. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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