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suspicion

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verb

chiefly dialect

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun suspicion differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suspicion are doubt, dubiety, mistrust, skepticism, and uncertainty. While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

When would doubt be a good substitute for suspicion?

The words doubt and suspicion are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

When is dubiety a more appropriate choice than suspicion?

Although the words dubiety and suspicion have much in common, dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

When is it sensible to use mistrust instead of suspicion?

The words mistrust and suspicion can be used in similar contexts, but mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

When can skepticism be used instead of suspicion?

In some situations, the words skepticism and suspicion are roughly equivalent. However, skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

In what contexts can uncertainty take the place of suspicion?

The synonyms uncertainty and suspicion are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 suspicion
Noun
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has expanded its operations in the city, residents say, spreading fear and suspicion in this working-class community. Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2025 At the same time, the Health and Human Service Department, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has stoked uncertainty and confusion among Americans whose suspicions grew during the pandemic about vaccines and what many scientists worry are myths about alternatives. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025 The weak pretext is that the show must go on to allay the suspicions of Min’s conservative, conveniently offscreen grandfather. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025 Panicked at the thought of Kamilla, his closest (and secret) ally leaving the game, Kyle desperately tried to convince others to vote for Chrissy instead, raising David's eyebrows and planting suspicion of an undercover alliance. Emily Deletter, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suspicion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspicion
Noun
  • Kuemper shows his regular-season form There isn’t any doubt that Winnipeg’s star goalie Connor Hellebuyck will take home his second consecutive Vezina Trophy and third of his career.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • There's no doubt now that when history is being made on the course, golf fans take notice and tune in, making these events must-watch television.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Looking for Saturday’s Wordle hints, clues and answer?
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Pineapple, which is very sweet, actually tastes great with a bit of salt thanks to the hint of sourness.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed Johnny Rzeznik from Goo Goo Dolls.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Many theories have been floating around about what may have caused the rearranging with some guessing another stage and others imagining an extraordinary set design.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But while much of the world looks at the newly friendly rapport between America and Russia with skepticism, Leake and his team see it as reason for optimism.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Frost was likely one of the few interviewers who would seriously engage the pair on a topic that was still viewed with skepticism by the British public.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The coach listens not just for answers, but for glimmers—early signals of ideas that could be shaped into something bigger.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • However, the glimmers of optimism surrounding the tariffs did not last.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many professionals enter the tech space assuming their success in structured environments will seamlessly translate into building and scaling a startup, guaranteed.
    Lola Eniolorunda, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Some employers may hesitate to hire someone with a career gap or assume that a more experienced professional won't stay long.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump's tariffs in particular have injected broad uncertainty into the economy, with some businesses already passing those additional costs to consumers, who have been rushing to buy big-ticket items in anticipation of higher prices, according to JPMorgan analysts.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Voters have been growing discontented with the president’s policies as his sweeping tariffs have fueled chaos and uncertainty in the volatile global economy.
    Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Miss Manners can promise you that there will not be a shred of curiosity left in those formerly nosy questioners.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Every scene is a joy because every performance is perfectly pitched, and there’s not a shred of fat on Deborah Moggach’s screenplay (which received an uncredited development assist from Emma Thompson).
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suspicion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspicion. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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