1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Recent Examples of distrustful
Manufacturers are pushing ahead with AI, but workers often feel unprepared, uncertain, and distrustful.
—
Rushda Afzal, Harvard Business Review, 22 May 2026
People are distrustful of public health.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
Patrick is willing to do anything to help his wife, but becomes distrustful of the retreat’s enigmatic leader (Weaver) even as Abigail falls under her spell.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 8 May 2026
But as the left grows increasingly distrustful of big tech companies, progressives aren’t convinced of the moguls’ sincerity.
—Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Rushda Afzal, Harvard Business Review, 22 May 2026
People are distrustful of public health.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
Patrick is willing to do anything to help his wife, but becomes distrustful of the retreat’s enigmatic leader (Weaver) even as Abigail falls under her spell.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 8 May 2026
But as the left grows increasingly distrustful of big tech companies, progressives aren’t convinced of the moguls’ sincerity.
—Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful
Adjective
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But it's also made people even more skeptical of public figures whose appearances seem naturally frozen in time.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
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Many consumers are wary, skeptical, and even disgusted by AI content in ads.—
Melissa A. Wheeler,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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When Arkansas implemented Medicaid work requirements in 2018, a Harvard survey found that more than 70% of affected residents remained unsure whether the policy was in place, even after the state sent nearly 600,000 letters, made 230,000 phone calls, and published hundreds of social media posts.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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Maradona, for his part, repeatedly backheeled the ball while sprinting at full pelt, leaving England defenders unsure whether to follow the player or the ball.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Adjective
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The duo first appear in parodied versions of the Longlegs roles originated by Blair Underwood and Maika Monroe midway through Scary Movie, standing by as their fellow officers are sent off after a suspicious perp.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 June 2026
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The Bahraini military urged residents to exercise caution around any unfamiliar or suspicious objects that may have fallen as a result of the attacks and to report them immediately to authorities.—
Rena Rowe,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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Between Richards’ health, Ream’s age and the uncertain roles of McKenzie and Robinson, center back is the USMNT’s most fluid position.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
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The fate of roughly $2 billion annually that was intended to help reduce wildfire risk, promote clean water and build affordable housing, along with other efforts across California, is uncertain as the Legislature races to pass a state budget by Monday.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The move suggests a broader shift in Tehran, where a new generation of leaders is increasingly abandoning the cautious, reactive approach that long defined the Islamic Republic’s strategy towards its adversaries.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
10 June 2026
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Ciara is very cautious and played it slow in opening her heart up to West.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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In the Epistle to the Galatians, Paul strains to show that the Gentile mission and the Jerusalem mission, though carried out by mutually mistrustful parties, belong to a single divine design.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
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People are mistrustful of government at all levels right now, according to Larson.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Backfill with soil, being careful not to place the soil against the stem, as this can cause rot.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
6 June 2026
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Every Jantzen suit is crafted for a variety of body types with careful attention to support, coverage and ease of movement.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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