1
as in guesses
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 doubts
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
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 suspects
Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
One of the suspects was found guilty of first-degree murder in June 2021, among a list of other charges, while the other suspect pleaded guilty in early 2020 to 17 counts, including murder charges.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
Tom is like if Kinnaman’s Holder, from AMC’s adaptation of the Danish drama The Killing, were actually as wicked as everybody suspects him of being, and the actor is having a blast preening and sneering.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
O'Leary suspects the investigation could be another example of Kennedy trying to undermine immunizations.
—March 25, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026
Cyrus suspects this might have weirded out her co-star Emily Osment, who played Lily.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
Atmos also urged anyone who suspects a natural gas leak to leave the area immediately and, from a safe distance, call 911 and its 24‑hour emergency line at (866) 322‑8667.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Israel suspects Khamenei was wounded.
—Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Israel suspects Khamenei was wounded at the start of the war.
—Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
But Tonko suspects that at least some of the resistance has to do with money.
—Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
Deem fired his weapon at the suspects, but no injuries were reported, and the disturbance suspect has not been apprehended.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
One of the suspects was found guilty of first-degree murder in June 2021, among a list of other charges, while the other suspect pleaded guilty in early 2020 to 17 counts, including murder charges.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
The death looks like suicide, but Babak suspects murder.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
Tom is like if Kinnaman’s Holder, from AMC’s adaptation of the Danish drama The Killing, were actually as wicked as everybody suspects him of being, and the actor is having a blast preening and sneering.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
O'Leary suspects the investigation could be another example of Kennedy trying to undermine immunizations.
—March 25, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026
Cyrus suspects this might have weirded out her co-star Emily Osment, who played Lily.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026
Atmos also urged anyone who suspects a natural gas leak to leave the area immediately and, from a safe distance, call 911 and its 24‑hour emergency line at (866) 322‑8667.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Israel suspects Khamenei was wounded.
—Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Israel suspects Khamenei was wounded at the start of the war.
—Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
But Tonko suspects that at least some of the resistance has to do with money.
—Mckay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspects
Noun
-
All three co-defendants have pleaded not guilty in their cases.—
Julia Coin,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The plaintiff in this case argued that the platform design features of the two remaining defendants, Meta and YouTube, were designed to be addictive, especially for young users.—
Barbara Ortutay,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Anyone who guesses the date the snow pile will be fully melted can win a $20 Freedom card, good for a few train rides.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
-
There will be times when Bader guesses right and takes a good pass and hits a lineout.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Maribel also doubts her own son will see a public school system fully tailored to meeting Voozeki’s needs.—
Noah Alcala Bach,
San Antonio Express-News,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Even then, Bridgman doubts Fraraccio’s competency can ever be restored.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In their latest motion, Zeigler’s attorneys say that Marques’ and other judges over the years have overlooked Felton Thomas and Edward Williams — two Black laborers who testified against Zeigler at his 1976 trial — as culprits.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The primary culprits behind the latest mortgage rate surge are familiar, if newly intensified.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Philippe Venet assumes de Givenchy’s position.—
Laird Borrelli-Persson,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2026
-
This math also assumes a 20% down payment.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But when new hire Pumpkin (Lola Tung) questions their sisterhood, they’re forced to confront inner darkness or meet violent ends.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Family questions police response Sye's other sister told CBS New Baltimore that the officers were too aggressive in their response.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Cyber criminals linked to Iran have accessed FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email account, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
That convenience also gives criminals a perfect disguise.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Leo’s fine, one supposes, as evil plantation owner Calvin Candie, but the role is not a natural fit for him.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The first theory supposes that the Big Bang produced dense spots that didn’t collapse immediately.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Suspects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspects. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
