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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
There’s adultery and cuckoldry and suspicions of adultery and cuckoldry and doubles and all the other good Cronenbergian ideas. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025 Tomas reveals that the couple was getting divorced, but that only Louise signed the divorce papers, which deepens suspicions. Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 15 Apr. 2025 Leaders can build trust in 2025 by: Holding regular town halls with open Q&A: Avoiding tough conversations about layoffs or policy changes only deepens suspicion. Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 And what started as a tragic connection between them has spiraled into suspicions, finger-pointing and a broken relationship. Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suspicion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspicion
Noun
  • Kuemper shows his regular-season form There isn’t any doubt that Winnipeg’s star goalie Connor Hellebuyck will take home his second consecutive Vezina Trophy and third of his career.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • There's no doubt now that when history is being made on the course, golf fans take notice and tune in, making these events must-watch television.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Looking for Saturday’s Wordle hints, clues and answer?
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Pineapple, which is very sweet, actually tastes great with a bit of salt thanks to the hint of sourness.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many theories have been floating around about what may have caused the rearranging with some guessing another stage and others imagining an extraordinary set design.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg guessed Johnny Rzeznik from Goo Goo Dolls.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Frost was likely one of the few interviewers who would seriously engage the pair on a topic that was still viewed with skepticism by the British public.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • But while much of the world looks at the newly friendly rapport between America and Russia with skepticism, Leake and his team see it as reason for optimism.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The coach listens not just for answers, but for glimmers—early signals of ideas that could be shaped into something bigger.
    Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • However, the glimmers of optimism surrounding the tariffs did not last.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Many professionals enter the tech space assuming their success in structured environments will seamlessly translate into building and scaling a startup, guaranteed.
    Lola Eniolorunda, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • There’s a lot of reason to like these odds as Raphinha is averaging 3.68 shots per 90 minutes on the year, 0.15 xG per shot (well above average), and will likely assume penalty duties in the absence of Lewandowski.
    Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump's tariffs in particular have injected broad uncertainty into the economy, with some businesses already passing those additional costs to consumers, who have been rushing to buy big-ticket items in anticipation of higher prices, according to JPMorgan analysts.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Voters have been growing discontented with the president’s policies as his sweeping tariffs have fueled chaos and uncertainty in the volatile global economy.
    Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Cover and cook until roast is tender and shreds easily, about 5 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But Illinois lawmakers have yet to provide one shred of evidence that any individual’s benefits fall afoul of the IRS rules.
    Ted Dabrowski, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suspicion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspicion. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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