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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
If some of us can be snatched off the streets without a warrant, based only on suspicion or skin color, then none of us are safe. Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 11 June 2025 This suspicion, coupled with Ralphie’s murder of Tracee, causes Tony to brutally kill Ralphie. Skyler Trepel, People.com, 10 June 2025 This creates risk for transgender people, who may be viewed with suspicion when their appearance does not match the gender listed on their government identification. Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 7 June 2025 At a time when Cold War tensions heightened curiosity and suspicion about all things Soviet, American consumers flocked to the new vodka as an edgy, exotic choice—drinking vodka became simultaneously an act of defiance and fascination. Time, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for suspicion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspicion
Noun
  • There's no doubt whoever comes out of this liberal rat race will be sent packing when Iowans re-elect America First fighter Mariannette Miller-Meeks next fall.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • There is no doubt that the strike will be recorded as one of the most successful strategic bombing operations in history.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • While few details were shared at the time, there were hints that the podcast would soon be relaunching.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 26 June 2025
  • The strawberries are then quartered and added to the skillet alongside ruby port (a sweet fortified wine that generally tastes like red berries) and fresh ginger for a hint of sweet spice.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Instead of guessing or fabricating, the AI pulls directly from the current internal grievance protocol.
    Sagar Gupta, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • My personal favorite is Fishbowl, where players work to have teammates guess words, phrases, or characters written on slips of paper over three rounds.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Tesla’s history of hype and overpromising with FSD is legendary, increasing the validity of skepticism.
    Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Trump’s reelection dashed the view that his first presidency was a mere aberration, and his second administration’s early, seismic actions on global trade, skepticism toward allies, and affection for erstwhile adversaries have already changed the United States’ role and image in the world.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Telehealth offers a glimmer of a solution, but as everyone who’s tried to show off a concerning mole to a doctor via a smartphone camera knows: Video technology can only get you so far.
    Christopher Null, Wired News, 19 June 2025
  • For travelers, Christchurch Airport offers a glimmer of hope.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • Some may assume that losing teeth is just part of growing older.
    Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
  • Earlier this year, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria fired Chief Operating Officer Eric Dargan and personally assumed those day-to-day city responsibilities.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • As companies pull back on hiring amid tariff uncertainty and the corporate dream that AI will become a significant part of workflows, HR leaders are increasingly looking to promote leadership talent from within their own ranks.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 26 June 2025
  • The dollar, already weakened by tariffs and policy uncertainty, fell to a three-year low on the row, the Financial Times reported.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • The material underfoot was dark brown and appeared to be a mix of wood chips and woody debris, dotted with cast-off rubber and plastic — the shred of a Spalding basketball here, a purple plastic squirrel there.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
  • In a shred of goods news, final sales to private domestic purchasers — a key gauge of underlying demand in the economy — accelerated to 3% in the first quarter from 2.9% in the fourth quarter.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suspicion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspicion. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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