Definition

Adjective 1. Believed to be likely or possible, but not proven: Used to describe someone or something that is thought to be involved in a crime, disease, or other undesirable situation, based on some evidence or circumstance, but without definitive proof.

Usage

The adjective "suspected" is used attributively (before a noun) to indicate that the following noun is the object of suspicion. It describes a person, thing, or condition that is under consideration or investigation but not yet confirmed.

Examples

• The police are questioning a suspected thief in connection with the robbery.
• She was admitted to the hospital with a suspected case of pneumonia.
• Authorities have detained several suspected terrorists.
• The mechanic identified a suspected fault in the engine's wiring.

Advanced Usage

• "Suspected of (something/doing something)": This is a common prepositional phrase used with the verb form, not the adjective. However, it clarifies the state described by the adjective "suspected."
  • He is suspected of fraud. (This means he is a suspected fraudster.)
• The word implies a preliminary or interim status, often leading to further action like testing, interrogation, or surveillance.

Variants and Related Words

• Suspect (verb): To have an idea or impression of the existence, presence, or truth of (something) without certain proof.
  • I suspect he is lying.
• Suspect (noun): A person thought to be guilty of a crime or offense.
  • The suspect was arrested at the scene.
• Suspicion (noun): A feeling or thought that something is possible, likely, or true.
  • I have a suspicion that it will rain.
• Suspicious (adjective): Having or showing a cautious distrust of someone or something; causing one to have the idea or impression that something is wrong.
  • His behavior was suspicious.

Synonyms

• Alleged
• Presumed
• Putative
• Supposed

Antonyms

• Confirmed
• Proven
• Definite
• Certain

Adjective

1. believed likely
   • a suspected thief
   • a suspected infection