MISTRUST Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

mistrust 1 of 2

noun

ˌmis-ˈtrəst

Definition of mistrust next

as in doubt

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something had an unfortunate mistrust of doctors, so her medical condition was allowed to worsen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

In an era of profound geopolitical fragmentation, disruption, and mistrust, that advantage is more vital than ever. —

Alois Zwinggi, Time, 24 June 2026 Over the last few hours, there have been multiple statements from senior Iranian officials that make clear their deep mistrust of US intentions remains. —

Lou Robinson, CNN Money, 19 June 2026

Verb

Some people fundamentally mistrust ballots counted using a code that humans can't read. —

CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026 Some people fundamentally mistrust ballots counted using a code that humans can’t read. —

Jeff Amy, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mistrust

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistrust

Noun

The prosecutor’s office, taking a fresh look at the murder, learned the lead investigator shared those doubts.

— Andy Rose, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Caicedo has made a name for himself as a regular starter for Chelsea in recent years — and his appearance in the Champions League leaves no doubt about his experience in high stakes matches.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026

Definition of doubt

Noun

The conservative justices signaled skepticism during arguments in March toward a Mississippi law challenged by Republicans that permits a five-day grace period for mail-in ballots received after Election Day to be counted.

— Will Dunham, USA Today, 28 June 2026
The fact that this vaccine skepticism has even touched programs within the State Department.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 June 2026

Definition of skepticism

Noun

Modern cynicism, associated with distrust, masks its ancient Greek origins, which offer valuable leadership lessons.

— Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Also, some consumers show a significant level of apprehension and distrust about the science behind the product on chat platforms like Reddit.

— Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Definition of distrust

Noun

The bank said last week's hawkish Federal Open Market Committee meeting has increased uncertainty over the outlook for short-term interest rates, even as lower oil prices have eased concerns about an economic downturn.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 23 June 2026
The trade comes after years of uncertainty surrounding Milwaukee's direction following the departure of championship-winning head coach Mike Budenholzer in 2023 and caps a steady decline that culminated in the Bucks missing the 2026 playoffs.

— Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026