SUSPICION Synonyms: 212 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

suspicion 1 of 2

noun

sə-ˈspi-shən

Definition of suspicion

as in doubt

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something all his promises were received with well-deserved suspicion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hint

a very small amount new parents who were alarmed by just a suspicion of a rash on their baby's chest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

suspicion

2 of 2

verb

chiefly dialect

as in to guess

to form an opinion from little or no evidence no one will ever suspicion that I'm the one who pulled the prank

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

The easily searchable online database offered a treasure trove of material for researchers and journalists, confirming some of our worst suspicions about the industry. — Susan Morrisey, STAT, 15 Sep. 2026 Jeff enlists his nurse, Stella (Thelma Ritter), and his girlfriend, Lisa (Grace Kelly), to help confirm his suspicions. — David Faris, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026 Christie’s instead raised suspicions about their authenticity, prompting Perlman to investigate. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026 After the attacks on Tehran began, suspicions arose that the two endeavors were linked. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suspicion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspicion

Noun

Eliminate all doubt and all potential for committing a violation by using a side-by-side or over/under double barrel.

— Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
Still, there was a cloud of public doubt lingering over the event.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of doubt

Verb

For example, the panel might guess which voice actor is pretending to be a child in a group of real children or which couple will be signing divorce papers by the end of the episode.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
Director Chloe Okuno builds an atmosphere of dread, keeps the audience guessing and subtly underlines the film’s message about gaslighting and misogyny.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of guess

Noun

Lawmakers in both parties agree more guardrails are needed, but even narrow attempts at regulation have fallen apart and a certain skepticism has set in.

— STEVEN SLOAN, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
Some analysts voiced skepticism about the risk of a societal-scale attack carried out by AI, however, noting that such warnings typically come in the form of vague hypotheticals.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of skepticism

Noun

Although the proffer glitch gave the defense what appeared to be a glimmer of hope, Long’s recording, too, was played for jurors.

— John L. Smith, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2026
Peppered amid the challenges for 2025 were glimmers of hope through successes like Weapons ($270 million globally on a $38 million budget), while modestly budgeted reboots Freakier Friday and Final Destination Bloodlines also turned profits.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of glimmer

Verb

On the other hand, some royal enthusiasts believe Meghan won’t be as reckless as people assume.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 5 Sep. 2026
Rather than assuming one is more affordable or comprehensive than the other, compare the specific coverages, exclusions, deductibles, premiums and repair-shop requirements between any two plans.

— Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of assume

Noun

Now, however, the escalating trade disputes between the two nations are not only challenging this close partnership, but also creating growing uncertainty for American farmers and agricultural equipment manufacturers.

— , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
Together, the flurry of legal filings has thrust the state, its voters and election officials into a period of uncertainty ahead of the November election.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of uncertainty

Noun

Sometimes it is mired in self-delusion, like Toni’s obsession with his Neapolitan origins, perhaps the single shred of glamor in his otherwise unenviable family background.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
Some of these cabinet members have even maintained, without a shred of evidence, that Syria’s president, the former jihadist Ahmed al-Shara, is preparing to attack Israel.

— Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of shred

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suspicion

suspicioned

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“Suspicion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspicion. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of suspicion

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verb

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What does 'sus' mean?

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