Meaning & use

suspect

verb·Everyday

To believe that something is likely true or that someone has done something wrong, without full proof.

See it in a sentence

Police began to suspect the neighbor after finding inconsistencies in his story.

I suspect she already knows about the surprise party we planned.

A note on using this word

Suspect is stressed on the second syllable as a verb but on the first syllable when used as a noun or adjective.

Words with a similar meaning

believedoubt

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. noun

A person thought to be guilty of a crime or wrongdoing.

The detective questioned three suspects in the robbery case.

3. adjective

Possibly false, dangerous, or not to be trusted.

The evidence supporting his alibi seemed suspect.

Make it your own

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