mistrust 1 of 2

mistrust

2 of 2

verb

as in to doubt
to have no trust or confidence in a recluse who mistrusts her neighbors and stays in her house all day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mistrust differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mistrust are doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, and uncertainty. While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

When is it sensible to use doubt instead of mistrust?

While the synonyms doubt and mistrust are close in meaning, doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

In what contexts can dubiety take the place of mistrust?

The synonyms dubiety and mistrust are sometimes interchangeable, but dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

When is skepticism a more appropriate choice than mistrust?

The meanings of skepticism and mistrust largely overlap; however, skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

Where would suspicion be a reasonable alternative to mistrust?

While in some cases nearly identical to mistrust, suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

When might uncertainty be a better fit than mistrust?

In some situations, the words uncertainty and mistrust are roughly equivalent. However, uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result.

assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of mistrust
Noun
While news analysis and thoughtful opinion can generate important social conversations and help citizens understand news, too much opinion that isn’t grounded in facts can also lead to a general atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion. Joseph Jones, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025 In the first year of life, one developmental milestone is trust versus mistrust. Shannon Carpenter, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
There are reasons to mistrust such fortune-telling, especially from people with a vested interest in the outcome. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025 In the clinic, mistrust can create an untenable situation. Daniel T. Kim, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mistrust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistrust
Noun
  • There's no doubt now that when history is being made on the course, golf fans take notice and tune in, making these events must-watch television.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Kuemper shows his regular-season form There isn’t any doubt that Winnipeg’s star goalie Connor Hellebuyck will take home his second consecutive Vezina Trophy and third of his career.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Frost was likely one of the few interviewers who would seriously engage the pair on a topic that was still viewed with skepticism by the British public.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • But while much of the world looks at the newly friendly rapport between America and Russia with skepticism, Leake and his team see it as reason for optimism.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Panicked at the thought of Kamilla, his closest (and secret) ally leaving the game, Kyle desperately tried to convince others to vote for Chrissy instead, raising David's eyebrows and planting suspicion of an undercover alliance.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Unlike Revere, who was known as a fierce revolutionary, Dawes might be able to bypass the checkpoint without raising suspicion.
    Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Over-promising breeds distrust, and lowballing harms growth.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Tesla products have a place in the market, but there's a tangible distrust, skepticism, and hatred for its CEO expressed by many Americans.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump's tariffs in particular have injected broad uncertainty into the economy, with some businesses already passing those additional costs to consumers, who have been rushing to buy big-ticket items in anticipation of higher prices, according to JPMorgan analysts.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Voters have been growing discontented with the president’s policies as his sweeping tariffs have fueled chaos and uncertainty in the volatile global economy.
    Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Mistrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistrust. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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