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
The characters were distrustful of each other (because anybody could be the killer), and one of Warren’s favorite memories is the scene with her and Mull tussling to get out of a tight bar space at the same time.
—
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
In its wake, Diana was stripped of many royal privileges and grew distrustful of those closest to her, including her private secretary, Patrick Jephson.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025
People are emotionally dysregulated, distrustful, and disconnected.
—Fortune Editors, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
What To Know As regulations change and the public grows more distrustful of the industry, health care providers are dealing with consolidation, technology adoption and staffing challenges.
—Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025
In its wake, Diana was stripped of many royal privileges and grew distrustful of those closest to her, including her private secretary, Patrick Jephson.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025
People are emotionally dysregulated, distrustful, and disconnected.
—Fortune Editors, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
What To Know As regulations change and the public grows more distrustful of the industry, health care providers are dealing with consolidation, technology adoption and staffing challenges.
—Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful
Adjective
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Commenters are divided, with some agreeing wholeheartedly and others skeptical.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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Some experts are also skeptical that Carr will ever make good on those threats through greater enforcement of the equal time provision.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Those who are not immunized or are unsure of their status should monitor themselves closely for signs of infection.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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But that was with an aluminum bat, and with a line-drive swing, scouts were unsure if his power would translate to the pros.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Gallup poll now departs for the same Valhalla as the big three broadcast networks, bowling leagues, and roast beef for Sunday dinner—institutions that were once almost universally accepted but did not survive in a more divided and mutually suspicious America.—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
21 Feb. 2026
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My father was a convenience store owner, so convenience stores were both very familiar to me and at the same time rather suspicious.—
Blake Simons,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But like the British wartime leader who also led his country’s fight against a bigger, more powerful enemy, Zelensky has made missteps along the way and his future looks increasingly uncertain as the war grinds on.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Husband cleared, but path forward uncertain Judge Barry Wood of Idaho’s 5th Judicial District granted the defense’s alternative perpetrator theory for trial in a November 2025 order.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Most of North and Central Texas shouldbe cautious with burning on Thursday, but the wildfire threat is less severe.—
Julia James,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Initially mistrustful of each other, the two men bond over Molina's stories about movie star Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez) and her starring role in the eponymous film-within-a-film.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Oct. 2025
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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
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Stirring frequently, cook until garlic is a deep golden brown, being careful not to burn it, about 5 minutes.—
C.W. Cameron,
AJC.com,
21 Feb. 2026
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Once the heavy portion is removed, finish with a clean cut where the branch meets the trunk, being careful not to injure the branch collar.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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