WordGarden.iosuspicious
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /səspˈɪʃəs/
US
- /səˈspɪʃəs/
Meanings
Adjective
making you think something is wrong, dishonest, or dangerous
mistrustful and inclined to suspect bad motives
Beyond the definition
If something seems "off" - like a stranger lingering near your house, or a gift from someone you do not quite trust - that is when you might feel suspicious. It means you feel that something is not right, and you start to question a person's motives, honesty, or actions. In a mystery novel, a detective is often suspicious of everyone. You can be suspicious (not trusting someone or something) or call something suspicious if it makes you worry that something may be wrong. Think of Sherlock Holmes, always noticing the small detail that does not fit.
The word "suspicious" describes a feeling of distrust or unease about someone or something. It is more than simple doubt; it suggests that something may be dishonest, illegal, or dangerous. You become suspicious when things do not quite add up, or when someone's behavior seems strange, secretive, or unnatural.
For example, if your friend suddenly becomes very quiet and avoids eye contact after borrowing money, you might start to question their intentions. Or a package with no return address arriving at your door could seem suspicious.
"Suspicious" can also describe something that causes this feeling. A "suspicious character" is someone who seems untrustworthy, and a "suspicious smell" might make you think that something is burning or leaking. It is important to note that being suspicious does not necessarily mean someone is guilty - it simply means there is a reason to question what is happening.
Think of a classic detective story: clues are gathered, motives are questioned, and characters are watched carefully until the truth is revealed. So when something feels wrong, and your gut tells you that something is not right, that is the moment you become suspicious.
Examples
- 1
Suspicious look
She gave me a suspicious look when I said I had lost the receipt.
- 2
Excuse
His excuse for being late sounded suspicious.
- 3
Neighbors
The neighbors grew suspicious after seeing the same car outside every night.
- 4
Online safety
I'm suspicious of websites that ask for my bank details right away.
- Patternsuspicious of + person/thing
not fully trusting them
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace concern
He became suspicious that someone in the office was leaking information.
- Patternsuspicious that + clause
thinking something may be true without proof
- 6
Bank security
The bank flagged the payment as suspicious.
- 7
Crime investigation
Police are treating the fire as suspicious.
- Patterntreat X as suspicious
consider it possibly connected to a crime
- 8
Suspicious circumstances
The company closed suddenly under suspicious circumstances.
- Phraseunder suspicious circumstances
in a way that seems possibly illegal, dishonest, or strange
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- suspicious activity
- suspicious behavior
- suspicious circumstances
- look suspicious
Word family
Explore
- evidence
- red flag
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- suspiciousadjective