suspicious

adjective sus·pi·cious \ sə-ˈspi-shəs \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Examples: suspicious in a Sentence

Definition of suspicious

1 : tending to arouse suspicion : questionable

suspicious characters

2 : disposed to suspect : distrustful

suspicious of strangers

3 : expressing or indicative of suspicion

a suspicious glance

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suspiciously

adverb

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suspiciousness

noun

See suspicious defined for English-language learners

See suspicious defined for kids

Examples of suspicious in a Sentence

We were instructed to report any suspicious activity in the neighborhood.
The suspicious vehicle was reported to police.
Suspicious characters were seen hanging around the bank.
He found a suspicious lump on his back and was afraid it might be cancer.
Officials are suspicious about her death.
His manner made me suspicious.

Recent Examples of suspicious from the Web

Where police officers deputize the public to assist them by watching over the city and reporting any suspicious behavior.

— maya kosoff, The Hive, "New Jersey Welcomes a New Surveillance State," 11 June 2018
Prior to these new cases, US officials had said that the most recent suspicious incidents in Cuba occurred in August of 2017—suggesting that the incidents there may have stopped.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "US pulls two more from Cuba amid puzzling health cases now affecting China," 11 June 2018
Falmouth fire officials said the blaze is under investigation, but is not being considered suspicious.

— abigail feldman, BostonGlobe.com, "Two hospitalized after fire in Falmouth apartment building," 11 June 2018
The cause of death was unknown Sunday afternoon, but police called it suspicious and are seeking help from anyone who has information.

— joe robertson, kansascity, "'Suspicious' death investigated after man found dead in car in Kansas City," 10 June 2018
Vehicle repair shops in the area are also being encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office about any vehicles with suspicious damage.

— lindsey salvatelli, Lake County News-Sun, "Authorities looking for suspect in fatal Antioch hit-and-run," 10 June 2018
Officers were called around 11:35 p.m. for a suspicious incident near Princeton Street and Orange Avenue.

— david harris, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Man arrested in College Park after allegedly stealing police cruiser," 9 June 2018
The owner quickly became suspicious and searched the internet.

— fleming smith, ajc, "Smyrna man who tried to cover up hit-and-run denied reduced sentence," 8 June 2018
Camarillo, who became suspicious that Battle was cooperating with police, went to Battle's house the morning of Oct. 12, 2015, attorneys said.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Ex-councilman Battle to change plea in federal drug trafficking case," 8 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'suspicious.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of suspicious

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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suspicious Synonyms

SUSPICIOUS Defined for English Language Learners

suspicious

adjective

Definition of suspicious for English Language Learners

: causing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly : causing suspicion
: having or showing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly : feeling or showing suspicion