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
as in doubt
a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something
one voter who usually listens to campaign promises with an air of distrustfulness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distrustful
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
After Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the American public has become even more distrustful of the Russian autocrat.
—Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025
But now, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of Americans are distrustful when authorities go against something seemingly intuitive — like the idea that ingesting low levels of herbicides and heavy metals over your lifetime will be bad for your health.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
Reshaping the space agency Long considered one of the best places to work in the federal government, NASA is already in the midst of changes that have angered some high-ranking staff and left them feeling distrustful of current leadership.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Adjective
Though many of these claims were eventually debunked, the damage is already done—people are left confused, angry, and distrustful of those tasked with recovery.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
After Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the American public has become even more distrustful of the Russian autocrat.
—Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025
But now, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of Americans are distrustful when authorities go against something seemingly intuitive — like the idea that ingesting low levels of herbicides and heavy metals over your lifetime will be bad for your health.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
Reshaping the space agency Long considered one of the best places to work in the federal government, NASA is already in the midst of changes that have angered some high-ranking staff and left them feeling distrustful of current leadership.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful
Adjective
-
Be skeptical of anyone talking about AI in generalities versus their specific expertise.—
Neil J. Rubenking,
PC Magazine,
2 May 2025
-
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, by contrast, was a vociferous critic of Mr. Putin during his Senate tenure and has struck a more skeptical tone.—
Michael Crowley,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Adjective
-
According to Priestley, many young people reach adulthood unsure about how money functions, how relationships grow and how systems interact.—
Dan Fitzpatrick,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
-
Officials are unsure of where exactly Cosmos 482 will land.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
Madrid were already having doubts about Alaba’s future even before his latest knee operation, as his entourage is aware.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
-
Read’s lawyers continued their strategy of pointing out inconsistencies between testimony given by the prosecutors’ witnesses with an aim of sowing doubt about their testimony overall.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Joshua later discovered that the police received a tip about a suspicious vehicle earlier that day.—
Audrey Conklin,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2025
-
Aurora police received reports at about 3 p.m. Monday of a suspicious person trespassing at The Parking Spot in the 19900 block of East 56th Avenue, trying to break into vehicles and refusing to leave, according to a news release from the police department.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
With a decline in visitor numbers and travel dollars, and federal aid nowhere in sight, the future remains uncertain for many in the area.—
Olivia Lee,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2025
-
The future remains uncertain and the debate over fairness, inclusion and athlete rights continues.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
President Donald Trump has voiced skepticism about FEMA's role, arguing that states should take the lead in responding to hurricanes, tornadoes, and other emergencies.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
-
Wall Street appears to be signaling some skepticism about the deal’s viability, based on the open of trading Thursday.—
Brendan Coffey,
Sportico.com,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
This can lead to overly cautious investment choices and missed opportunities for growth.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
10 May 2025
-
Please be cautious in entering personal information as seedlings for your romance stories.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
In a voice-over, the responding officer, Mark Raposo, recalls his suspicions en route.—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
12 May 2025
-
His protectionist advisers have encouraged his suspicions.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 19 May. 2025.
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