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
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
In the absence of transparency, distrustful users may interpret these routine account transfers as political favoritism.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Conservatives in the country are distrustful of China and see Lee as too friendly with the powerful neighbor.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 June 2025
During Trump’s first term, his negotiator, Stephen Biegun, struggled to get face time with his North Korean counterparts, who were deeply distrustful of Trump’s advisers.
—John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
In the absence of transparency, distrustful users may interpret these routine account transfers as political favoritism.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Conservatives in the country are distrustful of China and see Lee as too friendly with the powerful neighbor.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 June 2025
During Trump’s first term, his negotiator, Stephen Biegun, struggled to get face time with his North Korean counterparts, who were deeply distrustful of Trump’s advisers.
—John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful
Adjective
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That included 83% of Democrats but just 33% of Republicans, who tend to be more skeptical of climate change.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
6 July 2025
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Lee also points out North Korea's poor infrastructure and vulnerability to geopolitical fluctuations as reasons to be skeptical about its tourism ambitions.—
Se Eun Gong,
NPR,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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Without the autonomy to approve such costs within the agency, employees are unsure of their responsibilities.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
11 July 2025
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After the 8-1 loss, Hodge sounded unsure of what was at the root of his struggles.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Just 25 minutes before Crooks fired toward Trump, local law enforcement reported a suspicious man carrying a rangefinder outside the rally perimeter.—
Boston Herald Wire Services,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
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James’ dental colleague, Ryan Redfearn, alerted hospital staff and police to a suspicious chemical delivery.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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According to a survey conducted for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, more than 70% of Americans have felt either cautious or uncertain about their financial situation over the past 12 months.—
Corina Vanek,
AZCentral.com,
7 July 2025
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The future is uncertain for both the league and its players.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Teams tend to be especially cautious with injuries this time of year.—
Garrett Chorpenning,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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They are known to be cautious and spend most of their time on high rocky slopes mostly inaccessible to humans, making sightings rare.—
Lauren Liebhaber
July 8,
Miami Herald,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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The takeaway: Be careful about triggering too many credit inquiries.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
13 July 2025
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However, later in the day, be careful about jumping to conclusions when dealing with others.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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