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
Japanese trading companies have emerged as big winners from lingering mistrust between Australia and China, using the rift to make a series of major investments in Australian resources which might previously have attracted Chinese companies. Tim Treadgold, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 This approach addresses a core issue Harrison identified: donor mistrust. Megan Bruneau, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
The memo and other documents are more evidence that Kennedy deeply mistrusted the CIA, which had Oswald under surveillance long before Kennedy was killed on Nov. 22, 1963, Morley said. Corky Siemaszko, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025 The man from Texas, Lyndon Baines Johnson, whom so many of us had questioned and mistrusted as vice president, surprised us with a wellspring of great social progress. Linda Chapin, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mistrust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistrust
Noun
  • There is no doubt that not having to play the next day has its benefits.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
  • For subsumed within Lincoln’s willingness to accept the Chicago nomination was knowledge — perhaps without a doubt — of what actions by states were to come and what actions were morally right for the government to pursue.
    Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 18 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
Noun
  • His protectionist advisers have encouraged his suspicions.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 12 May 2025
  • In a voice-over, the responding officer, Mark Raposo, recalls his suspicions en route.
    Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Another source of distrust is the college admission process, which is largely seen as opaque and capricious.
    Mark Robison, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
  • Racial disparities harm our community, lead to distrust, and have a negative impact on community safety.
    Devlin Barrett, Twin Cities, 5 May 2025
Noun
  • Other Asian countries, like Vietnam, which will be subject to high (but still lower-than-China) tariff rates, may benefit from the uncertainty.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 9 May 2025
  • But that uncertainty is not undercutting Paramount’s ambitions.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Mistrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistrust. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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