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

In the last 25 years, the American electorate has become more polarized, distrustful, and apathetic. — Michael E. Neagle, Hartford Courant, 8 Sep. 2026

Such military cooperation has alarmed Israel, which is increasingly distrustful of Turkey’s intentions in the region. — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

This move was unfavored by local violence prevention activists who said that the relationship with law enforcement could undermine their efforts to reach at-risk teens who are distrustful of police. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026

The 72-year-old’s popularity boomed during the pandemic, when his insistence that COVID vaccines were dangerous and his opposition to lockdown restrictions attracted many Americans distrustful of government policy. — CNN Money, 16 July 2026