as in defendant
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1
as in to guess
to form an opinion from little or no evidence
we suspected that the runaway was a little younger than the 16 she claimed to be—more like 13
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to doubt
to have no trust or confidence in
I suspected him from the moment he said he was an old friend of my sister's, since I probably would have heard about him
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in questionable
giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged
since she was carrying no cash or credit cards, her claim to the store's detectives that she had intended to pay for the items was suspect
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of suspect
Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
Despite a $100,000 reward, a sketch and evidence left at the scene, the case has never seen an arrest or a suspect.
—Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Fans have been suspecting that a Pussycat Dolls reunion was imminent as early as December, when rumors circulated on social media that the group had signed with CAA.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for suspect
Noun
Detectives are working with animal control officers to identify a potential suspect.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026
Despite a $100,000 reward, a sketch and evidence left at the scene, the case has never seen an arrest or a suspect.
—Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
When terror suspects’ names appear in headlines — particularly when fireworks or homemade devices are mentioned — Weimer said the response inside Phantom Fireworks is almost automatic.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Fans have been suspecting that a Pussycat Dolls reunion was imminent as early as December, when rumors circulated on social media that the group had signed with CAA.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for suspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspect
Noun
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Attorneys for the defendants say it was supposed to be a peaceful noise demonstration turned wrong when an officer was shot during an altercation with a protester.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Mar. 2026
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The lawsuit, whose defendants include the Department of Homeland Security, argues that federal officers' use of such munitions is a retaliation against protesters that chills their First Amendment rights.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The President has reportedly been buying his favorite shoes for his male staffers and White House visitors, even guessing their sizes.—
Ruby Cramer,
New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2026
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Ken Jeong guessed Travis Kelce.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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And not one of us doubted that.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
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Because of that, Garcia never doubted the outcome in overtime against a formidable opponent in Joliet Catholic’s Jason Hampton during the Class 3A 132-pound state championship match.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The man’s service might be questionable, but his backhands are unparalleled.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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Meanwhile, forward Andrew Wiggins, who had been listed with back tendinitis and missed Friday night’s victory in Charlotte, is listed as questionable for Sunday due to toe inflammation.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Incorrectly cleaning your appliances and cookware or blunt forces from heavier objects are other culprits behind the visible scratches.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
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Some of the tunnels are so elaborate that the culprits have even installed electricity and lighting.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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José Francisco Pérez Mackenna took the oath as chancellor, while María Trinidad Steinert became the minister of security and Fernando Rabat assumed office as minister of justice and human rights.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Mar. 2026
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Shortly afterward, however, Iran’s Assembly of Experts — the constitutional body responsible for selecting the supreme leader — announced that Mojtaba Khamenei would assume leadership of the Islamic Republic.—
Pegah Banihashemi,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Adult witnesses whom Cox will be able to question include a mother who had a child under the age of 12 with her and allegedly saw Cox masturbating in the shower.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Mar. 2026
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Over two days of questioning this week, senators and representatives pushed her to explain the ad campaign.—
Rebecca Santana,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Cavello said the mayor was in contact with the police commissioner and receiving information on the protest, counterprotest and the suspicious devices.—
Mark Crudele,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
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The Mayor has spoken with Police Commissioner Tisch, and the NYPD is actively investigating the protest, counter-protest, and suspicious devices discovered outside Gracie Mansion.—
Andrew Ramos,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Suspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspect. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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