How to Say "suspected" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “suspected” is “presunto” — B2 level.
Examples
El presunto ladrón fue detenido esta mañana.
The alleged thief was arrested this morning.
Estamos investigando un presunto caso de fraude.
We are investigating an alleged case of fraud.
La policía busca al presunto autor del crimen.
The police are looking for the suspected perpetrator of the crime.
Placement is key
Just like in English, this word usually goes right before the person or thing you are describing (e.g., 'el presunto ladrón').
Matching gender
Don't forget to change the ending to 'presunta' if you are talking about a woman or a feminine object (like 'una presunta estafa').
Confusing with 'suspect'
Mistake: “Calling someone 'el presunto' on its own.”
Correction: Use 'el sospechoso' if you want to say 'the suspect' as a noun. Use 'presunto' only as a description (e.g., 'el presunto criminal').
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