distrustful

adjective

dis·​trust·​ful (ˌ)dis-ˈtrəs(t)-fəl How to pronounce distrustful (audio)
: having or showing distrust
distrustfully adverb
distrustfulness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Divided by borders, and further fragmented by custom and belief into tribelets of ideology, each suspicious and distrustful of the other. Katie Bain, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025 There are moms who want a more organic lifestyle, and people who are distrustful of pharmaceutical companies. Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 30 Sep. 2025 A number of recent polls found that a majority of voters across parties are distrustful of gerrymandering but are becoming more open to their states going forward with it amid the ongoing redistricting arms race. Julia Manchester, The Hill, 4 Sep. 2025 Having so many new designers debut at once may actually confuse further an increasingly distrustful client and redirect them toward all-time safe fashion investment purchases. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distrustful

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of distrustful was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distrustful. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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