1
as in guesses
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in doubts
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of suspects
Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
One of the suspects was found guilty of first-degree murder in June 2021, among a list of other charges, while the other suspect pleaded guilty in early 2020 to 17 counts, including murder charges.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Will Stone, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
OpenAI suspects that Musk is using the litigation as a delay tactic while his own AI firm, xAI—recently folded into SpaceX—races to catch up to OpenAI’s lead after the launch of ChatGPT in 2022.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026
Bonaca suspects that the walking improvements seen in trial participants who took semaglutide were likely from anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the vascular endothelial muscles.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026
The German government suspects Russia is behind a series of phishing attacks on Signal targeting high-ranking politicians, including two government ministers, military personnel and journalists, a government spokesperson said.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
If the owner suspects Tamerlan’s made up this story, what else does the owner suspect about him?
—Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
The teen’s mother suspects her son was the victim of a robbery that got out of control.
—Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
As Heinrich and their daughter fall ill, the woman suspects the man is a vampire.
—Roberto Prieto, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Whitcomb notes the defense narrative that the attacks took place in less than five, inconsistent with the hours Turvey suspects the crime scene cleanup would have taken.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
Deem fired his weapon at the suspects, but no injuries were reported, and the disturbance suspect has not been apprehended.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 Oct. 2025
One of the suspects was found guilty of first-degree murder in June 2021, among a list of other charges, while the other suspect pleaded guilty in early 2020 to 17 counts, including murder charges.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
The medical team suspects the medication isn't working.
—Will Stone, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
OpenAI suspects that Musk is using the litigation as a delay tactic while his own AI firm, xAI—recently folded into SpaceX—races to catch up to OpenAI’s lead after the launch of ChatGPT in 2022.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026
Bonaca suspects that the walking improvements seen in trial participants who took semaglutide were likely from anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the vascular endothelial muscles.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026
The German government suspects Russia is behind a series of phishing attacks on Signal targeting high-ranking politicians, including two government ministers, military personnel and journalists, a government spokesperson said.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
If the owner suspects Tamerlan’s made up this story, what else does the owner suspect about him?
—Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
The teen’s mother suspects her son was the victim of a robbery that got out of control.
—Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
As Heinrich and their daughter fall ill, the woman suspects the man is a vampire.
—Roberto Prieto, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Whitcomb notes the defense narrative that the attacks took place in less than five, inconsistent with the hours Turvey suspects the crime scene cleanup would have taken.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suspects
Noun
-
Both defendants have a status hearing Thursday morning in New Orleans and both were ordered to surrender their passports.—
Patrick Smith,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Duffy said the trial, which included 11 defendants and 360 counts, took place over more than five months, ending with a marathon, month-long jury deliberation.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Seitz guesses this is what drew Audree in.—
Meena Duerson,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
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Anyone who guesses the date the snow pile will be fully melted can win a $20 Freedom card, good for a few train rides.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This pair of novellas is about a middle-aged woman, the heroine’s sister, who comes to Tokyo intent on obtaining breast implants and a protagonist contemplating artificial insemination in a culture that doubts the procedure’s morality.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The impact on Charlotte travelers With Charlotte already a monopoly-like market, Mutzabaugh doubts other airlines would want those leftover gates.—
Chase Jordan
April 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
All of the Penguins’ best players were the culprits.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
26 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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When a single photon is sent through the wall, classical physics assumes that the photon will travel through either of the slits and reach the other side.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Apr. 2026
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In the news discovery phase, the agenda-building theory assumes that issues arise in an interplay between media, politics, and society.—
Florian Wintterlin,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Continue reading … SECURITY SHAKEUP — Lawmaker questions hotel metal detector setup at Correspondent's Dinner.—
,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Meanwhile, there has been a major shift in Washington’s regulatory tone and outlook, creating opportunities but also questions about the longevity of changes in rules.—
Semafor Events,
semafor.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many of the toughest criminals taken into ICE custody were already in prison, but many others who were arrested have no criminal history.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Apr. 2026
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In the furthest part of space lies Dante 01, a detention facility that houses criminals who have committed the most shocking crimes imaginable.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Leo’s fine, one supposes, as evil plantation owner Calvin Candie, but the role is not a natural fit for him.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
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The first theory supposes that the Big Bang produced dense spots that didn’t collapse immediately.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Suspects.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suspects. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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