suspected
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /səˈspɛktɪd/
KK: /səˈspɛktɪd/
adjective
Definition
Referring to something or someone that is believed to be involved in a wrongdoing or crime, but not yet proven to be guilty.
Example
The suspected thief was caught on camera during the robbery.
Conversation
Did you hear about the incident at the park?
Yeah, I heard someone was suspected of causing trouble.
It's crazy how quickly rumors spread, isn't it?
Totally! I hope they figure out who was actually involved.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
believed
assumed
presumed
Antonyms
certain
known
definite
verb
Definition
To think that someone may have done something wrong or illegal without having proof.
Example
The police suspected him of stealing the car.
Tense Forms
Past: suspected
Past Participle: suspected
Conversation
Did you hear about the break-in at the store?
Yeah, I suspected something was off when I saw the police there.
It's so unsettling, especially in our neighborhood.
Root Explanation
Suspected is formed from "suspectus" (meaning looked up at or regarded) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past action). The word means to have regarded someone or something with doubt or mistrust in the past.
Memory Tip
Think of having looked up at someone with doubt — that's why suspected means to have doubted or mistrusted someone.
Visually Confused Words
unsuspected
unsuspectedly
unrespected
uninspected