suspicion

1 of 2

noun

sus·pi·cion sə-ˈspi-shən

Synonyms of suspicion next

: the act or an instance of suspecting something wrong without proof or on slight evidence : mistrust

: a state of mental uneasiness and uncertainty : doubt

: a barely detectable amount : trace

just a suspicion of garlic

suspicion

2 of 2

verb

suspicioned; suspicioning sə-ˈspi-sh(ə-)niŋ

transitive verb

chiefly dialectal

: suspect

Choose the Right Synonym for suspicion

uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust mean lack of sureness about someone or something.

uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result.

assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty

doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

Examples of suspicion in a Sentence

Noun There has long been a suspicion that the painting is a fake. I thought the water might be making us sick, and my suspicions were confirmed by the lab tests. The note aroused her suspicions that he was having an affair. I have a sneaking suspicion that those cookies aren't really homemade. The new policies are regarded by many with suspicion. His story has raised some suspicion. I have my suspicions about his motives. Verb no one will ever suspicion that I'm the one who pulled the prank

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Noun

Last year, Japanese authorities arrested Somali for suspicion of trespassing on a construction site, the Kyodo News agency reported. —

Stella Kim, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024 Despite Jesse Palmer’s suspicions, Jonathan insists he’s never done a striptease professionally. —

Alice Burton, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024 Israeli media reported the investigation is related to suspicions that records of sensitive cabinet and security meetings were allegedly changed. —

Tara John, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 The most worrisome scenario for this election is also the most likely: a narrow initial victory by one side that leads to weeks of recounts and court challenges, fostering suspicions about the ultimate result. —

Robert A. Pape, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for suspicion

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English suspecioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin suspicion-, suspicio, from suspicere to suspect — more at suspect

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1637, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of suspicion was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Suspicion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspicion. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

suspicion

1 of 2 noun

sus·pi·cion sə-ˈspish-ən

: the act or an instance of suspecting or being suspected

: a feeling that something is wrong without definite evidence

: a small amount

suspicion

2 of 2 verb

suspicioned; suspicioning -ˈspish-(ə-)niŋ

chiefly substandard

: suspect entry 3

Legal Definition

suspicion

noun

sus·pi·cion

: the act or an instance of suspecting something : a mental state usually short of belief in which one entertains a notion that something is wrong or that a fact exists without proof or on slight evidence see also reasonable suspicion

suspicionless adjective

Last Updated: 22 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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suspicion

noun

verb

Synonyms

Examples of suspicion in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near suspicion

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition