Suspicious: meaning, definitions and examples

When you think someone or something might be dishonest or harmful.

• She was suspicious of the man standing at the corner.
• The police found his behavior suspicious.

When you lack trust or confidence in someone or something.

• He became distrustful after being lied to several times.
• She is distrustful of politicians.

When you have doubts about something and need convincing proof.

• She was skeptical of the new technology.
• He is always skeptical about miracle cures.

When something seems unlikely to be true or good.

• His dubious claim raised a lot of questions.
• The deal seemed too good to be true, and she was dubious about accepting it.

Used when there is doubt or disbelief about someone's honesty or behavior, often suggesting potential wrongdoing.

• She was suspicious of his sudden interest in her finances

Applied when something is of doubtful quality or validity and it may be disputed or uncertain.

• The company's questionable business practices have attracted scrutiny from regulators

Suitable when something is uncertain or causing doubt, often with a sense of skepticism or lack of trust.

• He gave her a dubious look when she said she could finish the project in one day

Often implies dishonesty or deceit, and is used in informal or colloquial contexts. It can have a negative connotation.

• There's something shady about that deal; we should investigate further