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
When people become cold and distrustful of one another, the notion of the common good collapses.
—
Nathan Meyers, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
However, many fans near the stage were distrustful and confused by the cameras and lights.
—Mark Gray, People.com, 8 July 2025
Reeve’s Superman embodied a hopeful, principled hero trying to make people believe in goodness again, even if the world had grown distrustful in post-Watergate America.
—Samantha Baskind, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
Trance Year: 2013 Runtime: 1h 41m Returning to the crime-thriller pleasures of his big-screen debut, Shallow Grave, Boyle once again tells the story of three distrustful individuals who must work together.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Nathan Meyers, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
However, many fans near the stage were distrustful and confused by the cameras and lights.
—Mark Gray, People.com, 8 July 2025
Reeve’s Superman embodied a hopeful, principled hero trying to make people believe in goodness again, even if the world had grown distrustful in post-Watergate America.
—Samantha Baskind, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
Trance Year: 2013 Runtime: 1h 41m Returning to the crime-thriller pleasures of his big-screen debut, Shallow Grave, Boyle once again tells the story of three distrustful individuals who must work together.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful
Adjective
-
Burnett urged those who received the calls to stay skeptical of anyone claiming to be a deputy and to not engage in conversation with them.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Some fans accepted the clarification, while others remained skeptical.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Experts say women who are unsure should talk with their health care provider about their individual breast cancer risk and the potential benefits and drawbacks of different screening methods.—
Dr. Megha Gupta,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
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Another 31 percent remain unsure or sympathize equally with both.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
According to Japan's Foreign Ministry, North Korea has been spotted conducting suspicious transfers of goods between ships in the East China Sea, which is bordered by China, the Korean Peninsula, Japan and Taiwan.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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An administrative hearing officer kicked her off the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) regardless, based solely on the allegedly suspicious shopping pattern.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The hospital remains closed, and the company that owns it, Ballad Health, has said its reopening is uncertain.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
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While the 118 came together to save the survivors, the scars of Bobby's passing lingered, as did the uncertain future of the captain-less team.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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During the preview, a mischievous group of young diplodocus splash in the water around a pair of kayaking guests, while other juveniles like the triceratops are more cautious in nature, choosing to stick close to their parents.—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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The Dodgers are being cautious.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Those who perceive this total control are prone to paranoia, leaving them mistrustful and lonely, while those who seek to profit from it are dragged into depravity.—
Kathryn Schulz,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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These treatments require careful and ongoing monitoring.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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