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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
Christopher Raphael/Prime © Amazon Content Services LLC Advertisement That suspicion is confirmed (or was for me, at least) at the end of Episode 3. Judy Berman, Time, 10 Sep. 2025 Anything that went awry in the area seemed to inevitably lead to suspicion that Phillips might be involved. Todd Symons, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 Lawyers for the plaintiffs said their restraining order only prevented federal agents from making stops without reasonable suspicion, in line with the Constitution and Court precedent. Dan Gooding hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 Roger Hird, Burnsville Pistol & Rifle Range owner, said Dyrdahl didn’t raise suspicions to him. Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suspicion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspicion
Noun
  • From the outside, Laura could be loving, protective, overbearing, even intrusive — while Cherry sows doubt for hiding pieces of her past despite ostensibly adoring her new beau.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Basically, slap on a pair of gloves or leave the washing to someone else if ever there is a doubt.
    Audrey Bruno, SELF, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, glitter shadow spilled under her eyes, filling in her waterline next to a brown eyeliner with hints of gold.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Crafted Flatzz are available in five different artisanal recipes, according to Pizza Hut, including a Three Cheese Flatzz that is layered with sweet marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, Romano and a hint of oregano.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The most recent edition of Deloitte’s Football Money League, which ranks clubs worldwide by revenue, had six English clubs (no prizes for guessing which) in the top 10.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Knowing the kinds of shenanigans these three get into, guessing yes to both would probably be the smart move.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Many of the amendments are likely to spark infighting among Republicans as the party battles over whether to become more isolationist in the face of skepticism about assisting foreign countries.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The announcement from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham landed with both excitement and skepticism.
    Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Chiefs fans had a brief glimmer of hope as a flag was thrown on LA’s touchdown.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • There were glimmers of the magnificent past at the 2024 French Open against Iga Swiatek when Osaka won the second set 6-1 and was within a point of going 5-1 up in the decider.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That’s assuming no more Fed officials are fired, which could change the trajectory of monetary policy for the next few years.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • A lot of people assume that individuals make conscious decisions that lead to these outcomes.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For many Americans, the introduction of opaque algorithms adds another layer of uncertainty.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • A lot can change by 2026, especially with so much uncertainty in the economy and global affairs.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Destroyed in one second by my mother, its shreds tossed into the garbage can under the sink.
    Miriam Toews September 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
  • But shreds of the original were repurposed and reimagined into a new statement.
    Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suspicion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspicion. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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