suspects
word · lemma: suspect
Definition
People who the police think may have committed a crime. It can also mean people who are thought to be involved in something wrong or suspicious.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used as a plural noun in police or crime contexts: 'the suspects were arrested'. 'Suspect' can also be a verb ('I suspect he's lying') and an adjective ('a suspect package'), so don't confuse the forms. In everyday English, it can sound formal or serious.
Example Sentences
The police questioned two suspects last night.
basic
The suspects ran away when they saw the car.
basic
One of the suspects is finally talking, so the case may move faster now.
natural
All three suspects are under twenty years old.
basic
The detectives think the suspects knew each other before the robbery.
natural
They released the suspects because there wasn't enough evidence.
natural