sus·pi·cion
sə-ˈspi-shən 
1
a
: the act or an instance of suspecting something wrong without proof or on slight evidence : mistrust
b
: a state of mental uneasiness and uncertainty : doubt
2
: a barely detectable amount : trace
just a suspicion of garlic
suspicioned; suspicioning
sə-ˈspi-sh(ə-)niŋ
Synonyms
Examples of suspicion in a Sentence
Noun
There has long been a suspicion that the painting is a fake.
I thought the water might be making us sick, and my suspicions were confirmed by the lab tests.
The note aroused her suspicions that he was having an affair.
I have a sneaking suspicion that those cookies aren't really homemade.
The new policies are regarded by many with suspicion.
His story has raised some suspicion.
I have my suspicions about his motives.
Verb
no one will ever suspicion that I'm the one who pulled the prank
Recent Examples on the Web
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025
While officials have yet to confirm whether arson is responsible for the widespread fires, suspicions of intentional ignition have circulated widely on social media.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
The surface-level similarities between the two incidents has drawn suspicion: The explosion and the New Orleans attack took place within hours of each other on New Year’s Day, the vehicles involved were rented through the app Turo and the suspects have backgrounds in the U.S. military.
—Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
Many had suspicions but never reported the behavior to police or the Florida Abuse Hotline.
—Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for suspicion 
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Noun
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
While officials have yet to confirm whether arson is responsible for the widespread fires, suspicions of intentional ignition have circulated widely on social media.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
The surface-level similarities between the two incidents has drawn suspicion: The explosion and the New Orleans attack took place within hours of each other on New Year’s Day, the vehicles involved were rented through the app Turo and the suspects have backgrounds in the U.S. military.
—Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
Many had suspicions but never reported the behavior to police or the Florida Abuse Hotline.
—Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for suspicion
Articles Related to suspicion
Dictionary Entries Near suspicion
Cite this Entry
“Suspicion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspicion. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
suspicion
1 of 2 noun
sus·pi·cion
sə-ˈspish-ən
1
: the act or an instance of suspecting or being suspected
2
: a feeling that something is wrong without definite evidence
3
: a small amount
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