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
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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
Deeply distrustful, the protest organizers feared that outside provocateurs would turn peaceful demonstrations ugly.
—
Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Most residents are already distrustful of Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza, which has devastated the Palestinian enclave and its two million residents.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
Several students said their affiliation drew hate speech from strangers and distrustful questions from family members and employers.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
This isn't exactly the Cultural Revolution, where Mao Zedong—distrustful of intellectuals and scientists—forced the country's best minds into menial labor.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Most residents are already distrustful of Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza, which has devastated the Palestinian enclave and its two million residents.
—Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
Several students said their affiliation drew hate speech from strangers and distrustful questions from family members and employers.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
This isn't exactly the Cultural Revolution, where Mao Zedong—distrustful of intellectuals and scientists—forced the country's best minds into menial labor.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful
Adjective
-
Gustafson is skeptical, but certain.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The elaborateness of these explanations, in Frank’s view, is a reason to be skeptical of them.—
Matthew Hutson,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The footage revealed a canine still deeply affected by past experiences, unsure of his safety even outdoors, and in the company of his new owner.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
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Her team feels valued but adrift, unsure what matters most.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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These advanced capabilities can detect an individual crossing a virtual boundary, expose suspicious loitering or unusual motion patterns across vast areas and even recognize unknown faces in high-security zones.—
Michael Evanoff,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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The 63-year-old Plainfield man died from drowning but the manner of his suspicious death was ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County medical examiner’ office.—
Christy Gutowski,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In a fast-paced, digital, and uncertain world, wallpaper offers both emotional and sensory reprieve.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
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Right now, midfield, where Joe Willock’s long-term future is uncertain, and up front remain areas which could be improved upon.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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However, with the growth of social media and consumer advocacy, retailers are being more cautious about communications to prevent backfiring, not only from investors and analysts but from their core customer base.—
Shelley E. Kohan,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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And then finally, layoffs…If prices rise, consumers grow more cautious.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Both coaches and players have been respectful of the other team all week, careful not to produce any bulletin board material.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
5 Sep. 2025
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Ben Lewis Doherty, playing a boy named Sam whose life is upended by Robbie, is the show’s greatest innocent, a softhearted moppet who warns deer to be careful when crossing the street.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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