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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
  • The name leaves little doubt as to what viewers will encounter.
    Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • In case there was any doubt, Jim Cramer’s recent conversation with CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz ought to be persuasive.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Check out our hints and answers right here.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • From cracks near its south pole, the moon blasts towering geysers of water vapor, ice and organic molecules into space, which are tantalizing hints of a hidden ocean that could, in theory, be habitable.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Bot gets 1 point for guessing in three and 1 for beating me, so 2 points x2 = 4.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Throughout the early, character-developing scenes, the filmmaker throws in nightmarish visual and aural flourishes, leaving us guessing as to their meaning.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In the province of Alberta, Calgary’s council voted in 2011 to stop fluoridation in part because of community skepticism and because expensive repairs to the equipment were needed, according to Councillor Gian-Carlo Carrà.
    Anna Clark, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Others echoed Kennedy's skepticism of federal health agencies.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The mid-quarter update offered a glimmer of hope after Six Flags’ disastrous second quarter earnings report in August.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Almost certainly out this week also is injured receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder), who provided most of the scant glimmers of hope in the Super Bowl with eight catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Do not assume the AI will necessarily seek to produce quality-level code.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Gemini tackled the problem by assuming that each reservoir had a priority value, which allowed the model to find the most efficient configuration using a dynamic programming algorithm.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 17 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
  • Its juicy pork filling is supplemented by lightly sweet vermicelli noodles and crunchy carrot shreds.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Many folks are familiar with a version of this that includes grapes, but usually the chicken is cut or chopped into more distinct pieces or shreds.
    Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suspicion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspicion. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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