C1adjective2K

Suspicious

UK /["/səˈspɪʃəs/"]/US /["/səˈspɪʃəs/"]/

Definition

feeling that somebody has done something wrong, illegal or dishonest, without having any proof

In simple words: Thinking something is wrong or that someone might be dishonest.

Examples

  • The security guard gave a suspicious look to the man lurking near the entrance.
  • She was suspicious of his sudden change in behavior after the meeting.
  • They found the suspicious transaction on his bank statement worrying.
  • There was a suspicious smell coming from the abandoned house.
  • His story sounded suspicious, so the police decided to investigate further.

Usage notes

Use 'suspicious' when describing feelings or behaviors that indicate doubt or mistrust. It's appropriate in both written and spoken contexts but may seem overly formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

suspicious + of/object

Memory hint

Think of 'sus' which is slang for someone questionable — they make you suspicious.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • about
  • of
  • be right to be suspicious (of somebody/​something)
  • have reason to be suspicious (of somebody/​something)
  • have a right to be suspicious (of somebody/​something)
  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • hear anything suspicious
  • see anything suspicious
  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • about
  • of
  • be right to be suspicious (of somebody/​something)
  • have reason to be suspicious (of somebody/​something)
  • have a right to be suspicious (of somebody/​something)

Synonyms

  • sceptical

Antonyms

  • trusting
  • naive
  • gullible

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'suspicious' with 'suspenseful' — they have different meanings.
  • Using 'suspicious' as a noun without proper context.
  • Incorrectly saying 'suspicious about' instead of 'suspicious of'.