What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dubious
Example
I have a dubious feeling about this deal. [dubious: adjective]
Example
The company's financial records are dubious and require further investigation. [dubious: adjective]
Example
She gave me a dubious look when I told her my story. [dubious: adjective]
suspicious
Example
The police found some suspicious items in his car. [suspicious: adjective]
Example
I'm suspicious of his motives for offering to help. [suspicious: adjective]
Example
She looked at him suspiciously when he entered the room. [suspiciously: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Suspicious is more commonly used than dubious in everyday language. Suspicious is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while dubious is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dubious and suspicious?
Both dubious and suspicious can be used in formal and informal contexts, but dubious is generally considered more formal than suspicious.