as in defendant
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1
as in to guess
to form an opinion from little or no evidence
we suspected that the runaway was a little younger than the 16 she claimed to be—more like 13
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to doubt
to have no trust or confidence in
I suspected him from the moment he said he was an old friend of my sister's, since I probably would have heard about him
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as in questionable
giving good reason for being doubted, questioned, or challenged
since she was carrying no cash or credit cards, her claim to the store's detectives that she had intended to pay for the items was suspect
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of suspect
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
The suspect then stabbed her partner, whose identity has also not been released, in the back.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 2026
The medical team suspects the medication isn't working.
—Will Stone, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for suspect
Noun
Police were able to identify Torres as a suspect after sharing photos with the media and through social media, Murgo said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
The suspect then stabbed her partner, whose identity has also not been released, in the back.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
But some suspect that earlier, simpler life-forms that predate even this common ancestor may have run on a leaner chemistry.
—Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 2026
The medical team suspects the medication isn't working.
—Will Stone, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for suspect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspect
Noun
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The University of Kansas Hospital Authority settled with the Noltes shortly before the trial, and District Court Judge Courtney Mikesic approved the confidential settlement on April 13, dismissing KU Med as a defendant.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
29 Apr. 2026
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Tupac’s stepbrother, Maurice Shakur, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Duane Davis and unnamed defendants, claiming recent developments point to a broader conspiracy behind the rapper’s death.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Frey keeps hitters guessing because of his rare ability to throw five different pitches for strikes.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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However, plenty of people show no signs at all, which is why blood testing matters more than guessing.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Don’t doubt Riley and the Heat’s ability to swing for the fences.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
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The visit also comes amid mounting calls for Starmer's resignation, though some experts doubt that any major shakeups will happen while the King is overseas.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said before tipoff Sunday that the team was prepared to play with or without Wembanyama, who was listed as questionable going into the game.—
Anne M. Peterson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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Preemptive strikes are a very questionable tactic unless the evidence of necessity is overwhelming.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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If your car is equipped with front radar or driver‑assist features, dirt on the sensor or slight misalignment from a parking‑lot bump could also be the culprit.—
Hartford Courant,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Adding teeth whitening toothpaste to your daily brushing routine is an excellent way to address discoloration caused by popular culprits such as coffee, wine and smoking.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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California’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 assumes a steep drop in driving.—
Aaron Cantú,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
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Many programs rely on standardized intervention lists, assuming similar outcomes across suppliers when every facility operates under its own set of constraints, meaning what succeeds in one place could prove a bust in another.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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With the third-year pro also coming off a subpar 2025 campaign, Wells’ offensive capabilities have been the subject of questioning in recent weeks and months.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
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The Republican has built a reputation in part due to his willingness to question the federal government’s role in releasing classified information.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Water testing has been temporarily increased to once a month at the Oceanside Harbor after someone reported seeing a suspicious liquid dumped from a boat.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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In October, Havens ran off after attendees at a school volleyball game notified a Will County sheriff’s office school resource officer of suspicious behavior, according to a sheriff’s news release at the time.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Suspect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspect. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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