1
as in skeptical
inclined to doubt or question claims
we were mistrustful of the so-called "miracle cure" for obesity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
inhabitants of that remote community tend to be mistrustful of outsiders
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mistrustful
People are mistrustful of government at all levels right now, according to Larson.
—
R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Initially mistrustful of each other, the two men bond over Molina's stories about movie star Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez) and her starring role in the eponymous film-within-a-film.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025
Those who perceive this total control are prone to paranoia, leaving them mistrustful and lonely, while those who seek to profit from it are dragged into depravity.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Initially mistrustful of each other, the two men bond over Molina's stories about movie star Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez) and her starring role in the eponymous film-within-a-film.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025
Those who perceive this total control are prone to paranoia, leaving them mistrustful and lonely, while those who seek to profit from it are dragged into depravity.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistrustful
Adjective
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But some Cuban-American senators seemed a bit more skeptical in their comments on the diplomatic talks between the United States and Cuba.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
-
American militia sought revenge for these raids, skeptical of Christian Indians’ claims of neutrality as the war ground on.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
While there have been repatriation flights organized for South Africans, the couple did not pursue that avenue, being unsure of whether the government could — or would — assist in evacuating two citizens who live outside outside the country.—
Blane Bachelor,
CNN Money,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Staff were unsure what food items on the steam table line were on time control.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Massachusetts State Police ask that anyone who sees anything suspicious call 911.—
Juli McDonald,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Noboa characterized the action as suspicious because diplomatic documents have international protections.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Outline your plans carefully, because regular progress should feel better than chasing an uncertain finish line.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Iran’s uncertain future is also central to the equation shifting in favor of IMEC.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
By contrast Zoox, acquired by Amazon in 2020, has been more cautious and careful to deploy a service on public streets.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Venezuelan players and coaches are incredibly cautious commenting publicly on politics of the country – to do so could draw additional attention to themselves.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But even in 2000 when Hope VI grants allowed for Laurel Homes to be replaced, residents were distrustful, in part, because only 1,100 units were going up.—
Cameron Knight,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
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Border czar Tom Homan says more than a thousand federal agents have already left Minnesota, though many community members remain distrustful and fearful.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Adjust a subscription or renegotiate a small fee, then record the change, because tracking progress reinforces confidence and protects your careful planning.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mistrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistrustful. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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