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

Examples 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

Because these days, even someone like Vivier is not above suspicion. —

Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 16 Jan. 2025 Because psychosis can cause paranoia and suspicion, people with psychosis may not trust treatment. —

Brittany Dube, Health, 16 Jan. 2025 Police allege the woman, who has not been officially named, poisoned the child from August 6 to October 15, 2024, when medical staff at a hospital where the child was admitted reported their suspicions to detectives. —

Jack Guy, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025 Virgil Thew, 47, was arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree intentional homicide in suspicion of fatally shooting a 33-year-old woman and two girls, ages 12 and 13, at a home in New Lisbon, Wis., authorities said. —

Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for suspicion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspicion

Noun

While there have already been glimpses of this in the past with former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace and Joe Hendry, there's no doubt fans will see more of this, especially heading into the Royal Rumble.

— David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
Ben Davies is in contention to return for Tottenham Hotspur’s trip to Everton on Sunday, but Brennan Johnson and Yves Bissouma are injury doubts.

— Jay Harris, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025