Definition of suspiciousnext
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as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something you should be very suspicious of those telephone calls from people telling you that you're the winner of a contest you never entered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 suspicious One item authorizes the purchase of Airspace Link’s AirHub software, which McCollum said will help detect and identify suspicious unmanned aircraft and support drone operations during large-scale events. Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026 Our technical teams have identified suspicious activities and are actively working to prevent these actors from disrupting the sale. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026 McClain, 23, had been forcibly restrained by police, who stopped him in response to a suspicious person complaint as the massage therapist walked home from a convenience store in 2019. Mead Gruver, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026 In 2025, according to data produced by the Group of Copenhagen, an information sharing platform between national investigators, Australia had the second-most games flagged for suspicious activity (68), with only India producing more alerts (90). Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for suspicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspicious
Adjective
  • The 27-year-old is known for his steadying presence and reliable defense in the midfield, and with questionable depth behind him, losing Adams to an injury or yellow card suspension could prove disastrous.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
  • Using a specific set of situational conditions under which the detection system is effective is questionable, Chris Smith, one of the plaintiff’s attorneys, told Ars.
    Cyrus Farivar, ArsTechnica, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • During the Cold War, a nuclear-armed, NATO-skeptical France developed its own philosophy for war in the air.
    Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
  • Though Musk anticipates widespread automation in the next decade or two, economists are skeptical about how pervasive and fast these labor and policy shifts will be.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • When Arkansas implemented Medicaid work requirements in 2018, a Harvard survey found that more than 70% of affected residents remained unsure whether the policy was in place, even after the state sent nearly 600,000 letters, made 230,000 phone calls, and published hundreds of social media posts.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • Maradona, for his part, repeatedly backheeled the ball while sprinting at full pelt, leaving England defenders unsure whether to follow the player or the ball.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The stories behind each batch of Booker’s range from nebulous to dubious to some semblance of credibility.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 June 2026
  • And while that big, round number is dubious, the essence isn’t.
    Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • The move suggests a broader shift in Tehran, where a new generation of leaders is increasingly abandoning the cautious, reactive approach that long defined the Islamic Republic’s strategy towards its adversaries.
    Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 10 June 2026
  • Ciara is very cautious and played it slow in opening her heart up to West.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Between Richards’ health, Ream’s age and the uncertain roles of McKenzie and Robinson, center back is the USMNT’s most fluid position.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
  • The fate of roughly $2 billion annually that was intended to help reduce wildfire risk, promote clean water and build affordable housing, along with other efforts across California, is uncertain as the Legislature races to pass a state budget by Monday.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Speech — Intimidation as censorship The First Amendment protects disputable speech, not agreeable.
    Brielle Miller, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026
  • That disputable appraisal turned a few heads, and people began peppering the bot for further remarks on Musk’s physical prowess.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Backfill with soil, being careful not to place the soil against the stem, as this can cause rot.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026
  • Every Jantzen suit is crafted for a variety of body types with careful attention to support, coverage and ease of movement.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspicious. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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