Synonyms of distrustful

distrustful

adjective

(ˌ)dis-ˈtrəs(t)-fəl 

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

• skeptical
• suspicious
• cautious
• mistrustful
• careful
• incredulous
• wary
• questioning
• doubting
• disbelieving
• unbelieving
• paranoid
• show-me
• cynical
• negativistic
• suspecting
• curious
• leery
• watchful
• quizzical
• guarded
• experienced
• puzzled
• unsure
• inquisitive
• critical
• hesitant
• uncertain
• unconvinced
• worldly
• gun-shy
• sophisticated
• nosy
• undecided
• worldly-wise
• knowing
• undetermined
• inquiring
• unsettled
• snoopy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• trusting
• credulous
• trustful
• uncritical
• gullible
• naive
• unquestioning
• unsophisticated
• confident
• green
• innocent
• ingenuous
• positive
• certain
• unworldly
• unknowing
• simple
• wide-eyed
• simpleminded
• sure
• inexperienced
• idealistic
• childlike
• raw
• impractical
• callow
• careless
• deceived
• unsuspecting
• unsuspicious
• heedless
• unwary
• duped
• beguiled
• tricked
• gulled

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

• skeptical
• unsure
• suspicious
• uncertain
• doubtful
• mistrustful
• unsettled
• unconvinced
• dubious
• undecided
• on the fence
• hesitant
• ambivalent
• conflicted
• trustless
• hinky
• insecure
• equivocal
• diffident
• irresolute
• indecisive
• wavering
• vacillating
• halting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• positive
• certain
• convinced
• sure
• confident
• sanguine
• assured
• self-assured
• resolute
• decisive
• determined

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of distrustful

Aid supplies reached the heart of the outbreak this week but medical personnel continue to struggle with a lack of equipment, a distrustful population and armed groups in the volatile region. — Jean-Yves Kamale, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

In such a distrustful environment, everything that should be pure or holy or human is crushed under the weight of a state only interested in its own self-perpetuation. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2026

Current employes may also become distrustful and less loyal as a result. — Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Manufacturers are pushing ahead with AI, but workers often feel unprepared, uncertain, and distrustful. — Rushda Afzal, Harvard Business Review, 22 May 2026