suspicion

A feeling that something may be true, especially something bad, without being certain.

• I had a suspicion that she knew.
• His silence confirmed my suspicions.
• Do you have any suspicion that something is wrong?

How to use it: suspicion that… (I had a suspicion that someone was lying.)

Similar words: hunch, feeling

Common phrases: a growing suspicion, suspicion that something, confirm a suspicion

A feeling that someone or something cannot be trusted.

• She looked at him with suspicion.
• Their mutual suspicion made cooperation difficult.
• The new policy was greeted with suspicion.

How to use it: suspicion of someone/something (His suspicion of strangers made conversation difficult.); regard someone/something with suspicion (They regarded the offer with suspicion.)

Similar words: distrust, mistrust

Opposites: trust

Common phrases: with suspicion, deep suspicion, suspicion of someone

The act of considering someone or something possibly responsible for a crime or other wrong action.

• Suspicion fell on the driver.
• Police arrested him on suspicion of fraud.
• New evidence cleared her of suspicion.

How to use it: on suspicion of something (He was arrested on suspicion of theft.); under suspicion of doing something (She was under suspicion of leaking the report.)

Common phrases: under suspicion, on suspicion of, above suspicion

A very small amount or sign of something.

• A suspicion of a smile crossed his face.
• Her reply carried a suspicion of irony.
• There was a suspicion of pink in the sky.

How to use it: a suspicion of something (There was a suspicion of amusement in her voice.)

Similar words: hint, trace, touch

Common phrases: a suspicion of, suspicion of something