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

But there is a real difference between a parent asking difficult questions and the federal government sowing distrust in agencies charged with protecting children. — Chuka Onuh, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

The same technologies that risk concentrating power and breeding distrust can also help distribute it. — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Verb

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

Someone who distrusts pharmaceutical companies may be more receptive to claims that the pandemic was engineered for profit. — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 30 July 2026