suspicious

adjective

sus·​pi·​cious sə-ˈspi-shəs How to pronounce suspicious (audio)
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

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.
Quiet Skies was revealed in 2018 by The Boston Globe, which said the program deployed air marshals, who fly armed and undercover to thwart terrorists, to track dozens of suspicious travelers daily. Josh Meyer, USA Today, 6 June 2025 Most of the calls were for more minor problems, such as trespassing and suspicious people, but three were related to battery, one for reported gunshots, another for an armed disturbance and one for a wanted person, the records show. Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2025 This allows radiologists to see blood flow to areas of the breast—highlighting suspicious areas that might otherwise be hidden by dense tissue. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 June 2025 The agencies urged the public to remain vigilant and report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to law enforcement. Jeremy Harlan, CNN Money, 6 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suspicious. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on suspicious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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