suspicious

distrustful / questionable / skeptical

Adjective

comp: more suspicioussup: most suspicious

This term describes a state of mental alertness triggered by a perceived lack of transparency or honesty. It carries a heavy connotation of doubt and caution, often manifesting as a gut feeling that the surface appearance of a situation masks a hidden, usually negative, truth. When applied to a person, it describes their internal state of skepticism. When applied to an object or behavior, it describes the external quality that triggers that skepticism in others. It is frequently used in legal or security contexts to denote a high probability of illicit activity without yet having definitive proof.

Meanings

Adjective

[~ of someone/something]

Having or showing a cautious distrust of someone or something, often based on a feeling that something is wrong or dishonest.

"She became suspicious of her neighbor after seeing him sneak out at midnight."

Adjective

[~]

Causing a feeling of distrust or suggesting that something illegal or dishonest is happening.

"The police noticed a suspicious package left unattended in the subway station."

Adjective

[~ that something is the case]

Having a suspicion or a feeling that something is likely to be true, even without certain proof.

"I am suspicious that the company is hiding its true financial losses."

Last Updated: June 10, 2026•Report an Error