distrustful

adjective

dis·​trust·​ful (ˌ)dis-ˈtrəs(t)-fəl 

: having or showing distrust

distrustfully

(ˌ)dis-ˈtrəs(t)-fə-lē 

adverb

distrustfulness noun

Synonyms of distrustful

• skeptical
• suspicious
• cautious
• mistrustful
• careful

Examples of distrustful in a Sentence

she was distrustful of her boyfriend's claim of having saved the kitten from a raging fire

naturally distrustful of politicians who claim to have all the answers

Recent Examples on the Web

But even in 2000 when Hope VI grants allowed for Laurel Homes to be replaced, residents were distrustful, in part, because only 1,100 units were going up. —Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026

Border czar Tom Homan says more than a thousand federal agents have already left Minnesota, though many community members remain distrustful and fearful. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026

The man lusting for power is always active, the center of the show, relentless, vigilant, distrustful, restless when anything stands in his way. —David Brooks, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026

Without this foundation, future clinicians will struggle to explain changing recommendations to patients who are already confused and distrustful. —Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for distrustful

• mistrustful
• lustful
• trustful