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
That suspicion was confirmed when listings flooded Chinese resale platform Xianyu, with people trying to sell their place in the queue. —New Atlas, 4 July 2025 Investigators still had their suspicions about Barry Morphew. —Paul Larosa, CBS News, 3 July 2025 This mutual suspicion has become progressively worse since the end of the Cold War, as secret intelligence has become increasingly public. —Joshua Rovner, The Conversation, 2 July 2025 And while Riemens had a transient lifestyle and was planning a trip to visit family in Michigan just before his disappearance, finding his truck at a nearby store quickly cast suspicion. —Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 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
  • Serena Peng, a Seattle resident visiting Tokyo, described having initial doubts after seeing online speculation but ultimately continuing with her trip.
    — Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • There was always a little bit of doubt there, even from the beginning.
    — KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 4 July 2025
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • Here are some hints for today’s Quordle game, followed by the answers: What Are Today’s Quordle Hints?
    — Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Featuring a cool ranch flavor, with hints of garlic and onion.
    — Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 8 July 2025
Definition of hint
Verb
  • Trying to differentiate the bad from the good, guessing who’s lying or telling the truth, and attempting to solve a true crime thriller are all mental puzzles that are endlessly frustrating yet completely entertaining.
    — Paulina Jayne Isaac, Glamour, 5 July 2025
  • Still, Geragos guessed both of those numbers were far off base.
    — Tracy Wright , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
Definition of guess
Noun
  • The lack of trust and growing skepticism about Netanyahu’s intentions are reflected in the dwindling public approval among Israelis.
    — Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, Time, 7 July 2025
  • Many in Trump's cabinet have previously expressed concern over the implications of an overly strong dollar, and skepticism regarding its status as the world's reserve currency.
    — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Definition of skepticism
Noun
  • Princess Anne topped the surprise style with the diamond Festoon Tiara, adding some glimmer with the sparkler she's owned since 1973.
    — Janine Henni, People.com, 10 July 2025
  • Ramos has been a glimmer of hope offensively, although his defense has room for improvement.
    — Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 4 July 2025
Definition of glimmer
Verb
  • Complex Interagency Incident Management Team 9 (Gould) assumed command of the Marble Complex at 6:00 p.m. on July 5, 2025.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
  • Experts have long assumed that the instrument had been destroyed or lost to history.
    — Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
Definition of assume
Noun
  • With so many issues still up in the air, though — including the missing permits and the uncertainty around what capacity the ground can open at — Barca have not been able to start any ticket sales for matches.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Despite the downturn and uncertainty about the future, linear networks continue to throw off significant cash with a sheer tonnage of content that continues to support the overall ecosystem.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Definition of uncertainty
Noun
  • To date, despite all these ideas, there hasn’t been a single shred of solid evidence for the existence of axions, which naturally drops them down a peg or two on the credibility scale.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 25 June 2025
  • Zoé | 2024 | Canada | Rémi St-Michel | Midwest Premiere | The remaining shreds of Zoe’s mind desperately cling to her vague memories of better feelings.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025
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 19 Jul. 2025.

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