suspicion 1 of 2

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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
  • On Sunday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with the families of two girls who had died from measles in West Texas—and raised doubts about the safety of vaccines.
    Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Some of the Supreme Court’s conservatives have cast doubts about the precedent in recent years.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • California beach towns — like Ventura, Pismo Beach or Encinitas — tend to be outdoorsy and mellow with a hint of boho energy.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Be warned: This article includes hints and comments that may contain spoilers for today’s puzzle.
    New York Times Games, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Wearing a dress with a print that includes white can often leave people guessing.
    Maria Ward, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • After a clue brought via a time machine (what else?), guesses for Yorkie included Lori Loughlin (Thicke), Kyle Richards (Jeong), and Erika Jayne (McCarthy-Wahlberg).
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At least one House Republican earlier this month expressed skepticism about limiting the power of lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions, according to Politico.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • And other markets, including oil, bonds and the dollar, are sending a clear message of deep skepticism that Trump will be able to pull this one off.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Kevin Lamarque | Reuters A glimmer of hope lingers, however, largely borne from Trump’s tendency to oscillate between more lenient and punitive positions.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Democrats saw a glimmer of hope after achieving a significant upset victory in a GOP-leaning state Senate race in Pennsylvania last week.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile, in a tentative ruling issued on Thursday, denied CBS’ bid for a court order that would’ve temporarily blocked Sony’s efforts from assuming distribution.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And there’s usually some wiggle room, a premium being paid to reap future opportunities or a discount to assume some risk.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The tariff file has caused a high level of uncertainty both for consumers and businesses.
    Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The natural chaos of life can make uncertainty feel even worse, Dr. Gallagher says.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 14 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 22 Apr. 2025.

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