SUSPICION Synonyms: 212 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

suspicion 1 of 2

noun

sə-ˈspi-shən

Definition of suspicion next

as in doubt

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something all his promises were received with well-deserved suspicion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hint

a very small amount new parents who were alarmed by just a suspicion of a rash on their baby's chest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

suspicion

2 of 2

verb

chiefly dialect

as in to guess

to form an opinion from little or no evidence no one will ever suspicion that I'm the one who pulled the prank

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Unfortunately, the suspicion at the mission isn’t even the worst thing that happens to her in this episode. —

Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025 Privy to his suspicions and intentions is a mysterious gardener who seems to come out of nowhere with myriad solutions to our hero’s problems. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2025 The announcement's timing—on the same day TikTok's ban went into effect—raised further suspicions about the platform's stability and future, particularly as creators look for trustworthy alternatives. —

Katie Salcius, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 After analyzing the videos, the team confirmed their suspicions: When one chimp started peeing, others quickly followed suit. —

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for suspicion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspicion

Noun

Beyond any doubt, his response would have been laughter—not surprise.

— Robert Pinsky, The New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2025
If politicians continue to sow doubts about vaccination, or even take steps to restrict vaccine access, then the trend of re-emerging disease will continue.

— Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025