suspicious

adjective

sus·​pi·​cious sə-ˈspi-shəs How to pronounce suspicious (audio)
Synonyms of suspicious
1
: tending to arouse suspicion : questionable
suspicious characters
2
: disposed to suspect : distrustful
suspicious of strangers
3
: expressing or indicative of suspicion
a suspicious glance
suspiciously adverb
suspiciousness noun

Synonyms of suspicious

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Examples of suspicious in a Sentence

We were instructed to report any suspicious activity in the neighborhood. The suspicious vehicle was reported to police. Suspicious characters were seen hanging around the bank. He found a suspicious lump on his back and was afraid it might be cancer. Officials are suspicious about her death. His manner made me suspicious.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Of course, trades that may look suspicious could be the wagers of a sharp speculator or an enthusiastic backer. — Melissa Lee,paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 The markets also overrated Netanyahu’s challenger in Israel, where the race is still too close to call — and where a series of suspicious bets elicited an investigation by Polymarket. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026 While several workers explained how the undercover team could proceed under the vouching rules, others became suspicious of the group and took issue with the investigation. — Mark Vancleave, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Humanoid moths and demon babies, hitchhiking ghouls, the occasional sea monster and even a suspicious phantom kangaroo or two. — Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suspicious

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of suspicious was in the 14th century

Rhymes for suspicious

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Browse Nearby Words

suspicionless
suspicious
suspiration
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspicious. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

suspicious

adjective
sus·​pi·​cious sə-ˈspish-əs How to pronounce suspicious (audio)
1
: likely to arouse suspicion : questionable
suspicious behavior
2
: likely to suspect or distrust
suspicious of strangers
3
: showing suspicion
a suspicious glance
suspiciously adverb
suspiciousness noun
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