Synonyms of distrust

distrust 1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)dis-ˈtrəst 

as in doubt

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something

the psychic's bold claims were greeted with distrust and outright scorn

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doubt
• skepticism
• suspicion
• uncertainty
• mistrust
• disbelief
• concern
• reservation
• distrustfulness
• incertitude
• query
• dubiety
• misgiving
• dubitation
• mistrustfulness
• misdoubt
• paranoia
• incredulity
• wariness
• unbelief
• anxiety
• compunction
• tremor
• qualm
• scruple
• niggle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• trust
• belief
• confidence
• conviction
• certainty
• assurance
• surety
• faith
• certitude
• sureness
• credence

distrust

2 of 2

verb

as in to doubt

to have no trust or confidence in

we instinctively distrust those phone calls that tell us we have won a free vacation or car

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doubt
• question
• mistrust
• suspect
• misdoubt
• disbelieve
• discredit
• discount
• negate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• trust
• depend (on or upon)
• rely (on or upon)
• count (on or upon)
• bank (on or upon)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of distrust

Noun

Other counties hold open houses and information sessions that let voters know that most states implement checks and balances that are quite similar – which helps dispel distrust about what’s happening in other parts of the country. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 2026

He is treated with distrust and fear, coupled with a kind of envy, by the other members of the community. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026

Verb

The Stack Overflow 2025 Developer Survey found that only about a third of professional developers trust the accuracy of AI output, while nearly half actively distrust it. — Dan Haiem, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Writing my memoir, Don’t Be Evil, sent me searching for a broader explanation of how Silicon Valley became so powerful, so deeply distrusted, and still so difficult to meaningfully challenge. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026