suspicious

adjective

sus·​pi·​cious sə-ˈspi-shəs How to pronounce suspicious (audio)
Synonyms of suspiciousnext
1
: tending to arouse suspicion : questionable
suspicious characters
2
: disposed to suspect : distrustful
suspicious of strangers
3
: expressing or indicative of suspicion
a suspicious glance
suspiciously adverb
suspiciousness noun

Examples of suspicious in a Sentence

We were instructed to report any suspicious activity in the neighborhood. The suspicious vehicle was reported to police. Suspicious characters were seen hanging around the bank. He found a suspicious lump on his back and was afraid it might be cancer. Officials are suspicious about her death. His manner made me suspicious.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Pennsylvania State Police's fire marshal unit in Greensburg is offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest in connection with a suspicious fire in August. Erika Stanish, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2026 Clippers investigation Silver said he has been told the Clippers have been cooperative with the external investigation into their possible circumvention of the salary cap through a suspicious endorsement deal for Kawhi Leonard with a now-bankrupt company. Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026 Many of the young and highly educated cohorts who populate the portions of the left most suspicious of universal liberal values are also among those least likely to identify as religious believers. Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026 Despite those suspicious circumstances, local police didn’t treat her mother’s apartment like a crime scene, Tonya Miller said. ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suspicious

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of suspicious was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspicious. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

suspicious

adjective
sus·​pi·​cious sə-ˈspish-əs How to pronounce suspicious (audio)
1
: likely to arouse suspicion : questionable
suspicious behavior
2
: likely to suspect or distrust
suspicious of strangers
3
: showing suspicion
a suspicious glance
suspiciously adverb
suspiciousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on suspicious

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