DISTRUSTFUL Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

distrustful

adjective

(ˌ)dis-ˈtrəs(t)-fəl

Definition of distrustful

as in skeptical

inclined to doubt or question claims she was distrustful of her boyfriend's claim of having saved the kitten from a raging fire

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unsure

not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something naturally distrustful of politicians who claim to have all the answers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of distrustful When the community is hostile toward or distrustful of a particular minority group, police may feel that discriminatory behavior toward that group is justified. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 This move was unfavored by local violence prevention activists who said that the relationship with law enforcement could undermine their efforts to reach at-risk teens who are distrustful of police. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026 The 72-year-old’s popularity boomed during the pandemic, when his insistence that COVID vaccines were dangerous and his opposition to lockdown restrictions attracted many Americans distrustful of government policy. — CNN Money, 16 July 2026 Fearful of invading marauders, humankind has turned distrustful and stingy, ignoring Zeus’ command to show generosity toward the poor and foreign-born, a cornerstone of faith that would later be repurposed in the New Testament. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for distrustful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful

Adjective

In one image, Grande’s Olivia Jones stands beside De Niro’s Byrnes, who wears a decidedly skeptical expression, her hand resting on his German shepherd.

— Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026
Jorge Piñón, an energy researcher at the University of Texas at Austin, is skeptical of the data and noted that only sanctioned Cuban state energy company CUPET has the capacity to store such a large quantity of fuel in one month.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of skeptical

Adjective

So fraternities promise that kind of friendship and loyalty, and also for young people, 18-year-olds, many of whom are unsure of themselves, fraternities and sororities say this is the way to be popular.

— Richard Hall, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
The department was unsure of the route the aircraft was trying to take, and the crash started a small grass fire that was quickly doused.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of unsure

Adjective

Strong antivirus software can help detect malicious downloads, suspicious links and other threats that may show up in follow-up scams.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Abby became suspicious of Kuehl during a private conversation about possible traitors in the group.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of suspicious

Adjective

Called Motor Decide, the tool is designed to help industries evaluate electric motor technologies and make informed decisions under uncertain market conditions.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
These industry changes come at an uncertain time as artificial intelligence encroaches on the creative field and consumers are turning to social media platforms for music consumption and discovery.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncertain

Adjective

The actors Nael Nacer and Artemis Pebdani double as Haddad’s great-aunt and -uncle and parents, playing across a spectrum of discomfort and cautious support.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
Feigenbaum offered a more cautious interpretation, describing some of the violent perpetrators as fringe provocateurs who exploit broader demonstrations without necessarily directing them.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of cautious

Adjective

Our ability to win over local constituencies deeply mistrustful of both our products and our leaders is uncertain.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2026
The Social Democrats, led by Kurt Schumacher, a prickly figure who had suffered horribly for resisting the Nazis, were mistrustful of the United States and hoped to reunify Germany as a neutral state at the center of Europe.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of mistrustful

Adjective

Full-scale, 10-foot Hulk standins helped actors and camera crews judge his dimensions on set, and even his pants required careful attention.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Turning a field into a recognizable maze requires specialized planning and careful execution.

— Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of careful

Browse Nearby Words

distrusted

distrustful

distrustfully

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“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of distrustful

adjective

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