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
Relevance
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
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 distrustful
In its wake, Diana was stripped of many royal privileges and grew distrustful of those closest to her, including her private secretary, Patrick Jephson.
—
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025
People are emotionally dysregulated, distrustful, and disconnected.
—Fortune Editors, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
What To Know As regulations change and the public grows more distrustful of the industry, health care providers are dealing with consolidation, technology adoption and staffing challenges.
—Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Divided by borders, and further fragmented by custom and belief into tribelets of ideology, each suspicious and distrustful of the other.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025
People are emotionally dysregulated, distrustful, and disconnected.
—Fortune Editors, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2025
What To Know As regulations change and the public grows more distrustful of the industry, health care providers are dealing with consolidation, technology adoption and staffing challenges.
—Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Divided by borders, and further fragmented by custom and belief into tribelets of ideology, each suspicious and distrustful of the other.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful
Adjective
-
Overall, the five-member panel of justices appeared skeptical of the prosecution’s arguments on those points.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Some fans can get skeptical when their favorite artists incorporate more Christian-adjacent messaging in their music.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Cougars were a bit unsure of what the goaltending would look like after two-time All-Scholastic Patrick Clair graduated, but their four goalies now are a supportive and tight-knit group that’s seen Camara rise up as of late.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
7 Feb. 2026
-
There is a big difference between a buyer who must complete a specific step and one who is simply unsure.—
Allen Buchanan,
Oc Register,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The county had engaged with the family three times before his death, including over reports of suspicious injuries.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Clase is accused of throwing suspicious pitches to benefit those who placed wagers on him in at least 48 games, according to ESPN.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But a month after Maduro’s capture, while some see reason for optimism in the economy and releases of political prisoners, the country remains on an uncertain path.—
CNN 9 hr ago,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Garland’s uncertain availability, and the Cavaliers’ need to get star Donovan Mitchell more scoring help, motivated Cleveland to swap their young floor leader for Harden, who is 10 years older.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Be cautious about taking on new debt that assumes your current income is guaranteed.—
Matt Shumer,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Connecticut education leaders are expressing cautious optimism as the state Department of Education tries its hand at course development.—
Theo Peck-Suzuki,
Hartford Courant,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
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
Adjective
-
But turning this moment into lasting advantage will require careful planning, not just short-term opportunism.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
