suspicion 1 of 2

noun

sə-ˈspi-shən How to pronounce suspicion (audio)
Definition of suspicionnext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Albeit coinciding with the steroids era and suspicions baseballs were juiced, a more accommodating home environment allowed the Royals to score the most runs in franchise history (879) in 2000. —Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2026 He was booked at the Ramsey County Jail for suspicion of criminal damage to property. —Riley Moser, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 An Uber driver who dropped Nancy off at her daughter’s home for dinner was interviewed and cleared of suspicion. —Dan Reilly, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2026 There were suspicions that he was kidnapped. —Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suspicion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspicion
  1. doubt
  2. hint
  3. guess
  4. skepticism
  5. glimmer
  6. assume
  7. uncertainty
  8. shred
Noun
  • For now, those doubts have done little to dent her standing.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Technical doubts and stealth concerns Skepticism around the SM-39 centers on physics as much as design.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • There are some hints that weighted blankets can help with anxiety, chronic pain and sleep.
    — Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • At song’s end, the camera moved over to big-screen photos of the late Charlie Kirk and his widow, Erika Kirk, who is now in charge of TPUSA, followed by a fade to darkness and closing credit that still did not offer many hints where the performance was taking place.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of hint
Verb
  • Amazon’s February deals include Apple AirTags to keep tabs on your luggage, because guessing where your bag landed is not the vibe.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The rest of the judges floundered with Rita Ora guessing Selma Blair, Ken Jeong putting his money on Christina Applegate and Robin Thicke going with Danielle Fishel.
    — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of guess
Noun
  • Such theories were met with some skepticism by trade researchers at the time, and not all of the predictions have come true.
    — Josh Ederington, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Marijane Leonard, a parent of a ninth grader at TIDE Academy, expressed skepticism over the transition to Woodside High School.
    — Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of skepticism
Noun
  • The novel is famously austere, with mere glimmers of physical intimacy.
    — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Some believe the ouster of strongman leader Nicolás Maduro offers a glimmer of hope for rebuilding institutions and guaranteeing citizens’ rights.
    — CNN 9 hr ago, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of glimmer
Verb
  • Until recently, the markets had assumed that companies would be buoyed by the massive amount of capex (capital expenditure) going into AI, and that AI would generate new efficiencies and higher productivity that would ultimately result in higher revenues and earnings per share.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • In the past, scientists had assumed that the ability to pretend and consider multiple realities was unique to humans.
    — Evan Bush, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of assume
Noun
  • That uncertainty comes with a risk.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • When uncertainty rises, organizations instinctively tighten their grip.
    — Amy Eliza Wong, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of uncertainty
Noun
  • The Nuggets of three seasons ago finished guests off without a shred of mercy.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
  • There is not a shred of doubt that the center is used to peddle the influence of Iran’s political Islam.
    — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of shred

Browse Nearby Words

suspensions
suspicion
suspicioned
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Cite this Entry

“Suspicion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspicion. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on suspicion

Nglish: Translation of suspicion for Spanish Speakers

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