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
Growing mistrust For decades, China’s brightest minds have flocked to America, as their home country played catch-up with the world’s leading superpower. Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 30 May 2025 Both sides differ on who initiated this meeting Despite the mutual decision to hold talks in Geneva, both sides are offering starkly different accounts of how the meeting came about, underscoring the continued mistrust that has defined the standoff between the world’s two largest economies. Nik Popli, Time, 9 May 2025
Verb
As much as many Indians mistrust China’s intentions, for instance, many Indian political and business elites evince increasingly open admiration for the Chinese system and its undeniable material achievements. Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 He was widely mistrusted because of a series of corruption scandals that plagued his government and family (his wife, Sara, was accused of vicious behavior toward employees and interference in politics). Brent E. Sasley, Foreign Affairs, 3 Mar. 2015 See All Example Sentences for mistrust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistrust
Noun
  • There's no doubt whoever comes out of this liberal rat race will be sent packing when Iowans re-elect America First fighter Mariannette Miller-Meeks next fall.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • There is no doubt that the strike will be recorded as one of the most successful strategic bombing operations in history.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s reelection dashed the view that his first presidency was a mere aberration, and his second administration’s early, seismic actions on global trade, skepticism toward allies, and affection for erstwhile adversaries have already changed the United States’ role and image in the world.
    REBECCA LISSNER, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • Tesla’s history of hype and overpromising with FSD is legendary, increasing the validity of skepticism.
    Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Or indeed there will be suspicions of Russian perfidy - as happened over Syria.
    Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • See Season 7 schedule McDonald's Snack Wraps are officially coming back: Here's when Huge 400-pound alligator captured in North Carolina on 'suspicion of being a dinosaur' A new Lululemon dress is stirring up the internet.
    James Powel, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • Fuels Media Illiteracy And Distrust AI’s mass content output is fueling media illiteracy and public distrust, blurring the line between fact and fabrication.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • And most of the angst can be traced to a deep distrust of the committee.
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • While uncertainty around the impact of the levies remains, analysts say investor concern has faded as trade negotiations have entered a quieter phase after the Trump administration struck a deal with China earlier this month.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 26 June 2025
  • Where uncertainty is the only certainty, clinging to perfection and fearing mistakes damages credibility.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Mistrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistrust. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mistrust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!