suspect
verb (used with object)
to believe to be guilty, false, counterfeit, undesirable, defective, bad, etc., with little or no proof.
have suspected
-
present perfectof suspect.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
An era was ending at Newcastle United, but few would have suspected it at the time.
From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026
Scientists have suspected for years that TRPV4 plays a role in sensing mechanical stimulation, but its involvement in itch, particularly chronic itch, has remained unclear and heavily debated.
From Science Daily ● May 10, 2026
A year earlier, the eagles had two eggs eaten by ravens, though Steers believes Jackie and Shadow may have suspected something was wrong with the eggs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 29, 2025
There are no known pictures of the lost city because “no-one has ever been there”, the researchers say, although local people may have suspected there were ruins under the mounds of earth.
From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2024
Herb couldn’t have suspected, or he would have fought.
From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
