suspects; suspected; suspecting
1
a
: to think that (someone) is possibly guilty of a crime or of doing something wrong
He's suspected in four burglaries.
—often + ofThe police suspect him of murder.
No one suspects you of cheating.
b
: to think that (something) is possibly the cause of something bad
—usually + of
The pesticide is suspected of causing cancer.
c
: to think that (a crime) has possibly been committed
The police do not suspect murder in this case.
The fire chief suspects arson.
2
: to think that (something, especially something bad) possibly exists, is true, will happen, etc.
We suspected a trap.
I suspect it will rain.
Call the doctor immediately if you suspect you've been infected.
The latest research confirms what scientists have long suspected.
I suspect she's not who she says she is.
"We haven't done our homework." "I suspected as much."
3
: to have feelings of doubt about (something) : to be suspicious about (something)
I suspected his motives in giving me the money.
I have reason to suspect her sincerity when she makes promises like that.
plural suspects
1
: a person who is believed to be possibly guilty of committing a crime
a murder suspect
One suspect has been arrested.
She is a possible/prime suspect in connection with the kidnapping.
2
: a thing that is thought of as a possible cause of something bad
The prime suspect for the food poisoning is the potato salad.
: not able to be trusted : causing feelings of doubt or suspicion
The suspect [=suspicious] vehicle was reported to the police.
The witness's claim was suspect. [=dubious, questionable]
The room had a suspect odor.
Cite this Entry
“Suspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/suspect. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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