1
as in skeptical
inclined to doubt or question claims
she was distrustful of her boyfriend's claim of having saved the kitten from a raging fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unsure
not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something
naturally distrustful of politicians who claim to have all the answers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of distrustful
This isn't exactly the Cultural Revolution, where Mao Zedong—distrustful of intellectuals and scientists—forced the country's best minds into menial labor.
—
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
In the absence of transparency, distrustful users may interpret these routine account transfers as political favoritism.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Conservatives in the country are distrustful of China and see Lee as too friendly with the powerful neighbor.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 June 2025
During Trump’s first term, his negotiator, Stephen Biegun, struggled to get face time with his North Korean counterparts, who were deeply distrustful of Trump’s advisers.
—John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
In the absence of transparency, distrustful users may interpret these routine account transfers as political favoritism.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Conservatives in the country are distrustful of China and see Lee as too friendly with the powerful neighbor.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 June 2025
During Trump’s first term, his negotiator, Stephen Biegun, struggled to get face time with his North Korean counterparts, who were deeply distrustful of Trump’s advisers.
—John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful
Adjective
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That included 83% of Democrats but just 33% of Republicans, who tend to be more skeptical of climate change.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
6 July 2025
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Lee also points out North Korea's poor infrastructure and vulnerability to geopolitical fluctuations as reasons to be skeptical about its tourism ambitions.—
Se Eun Gong,
NPR,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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The outfit is unsure about the root cause of the problem and has launched an investigation to prevent a similar incident.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
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For creators who’ve built something significant but are unsure how to grow further, or who are simply ready for a change, now may be a smart time to explore a sale.—
Ian Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, security teams must expand visibility with tools that monitor AI use, flag suspicious behavior and inventory every AI-enabled app.—
Jason Vest,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Why else, the night Mrs. Palit invited us to dinner, did my eyes fall on suspicious dark objects, not much larger than prominent flecks of salt, in the dal?—
Jhumpa Lahiri,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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According to a survey conducted for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, more than 70% of Americans have felt either cautious or uncertain about their financial situation over the past 12 months.—
Corina Vanek,
AZCentral.com,
7 July 2025
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This enormous — and uncertain — data center growth should not be Maryland’s responsibility.—
David S. Lapp,
Baltimore Sun,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Teams tend to be especially cautious with injuries this time of year.—
Garrett Chorpenning,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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With such long-term uncertainty, customers are rightly cautious about parting with their money.—
Jo Causon,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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If allowed, Andrew will likely bring further reputational damage to the monarchy at a time when the royal ship needs a careful steer.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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In reality, Israel overpowered Iran’s military and outwitted its intelligence with stunning efficiency, demonstrating years, if not decades, of careful preparation in under two weeks.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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