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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Some students might be tempted to argue against it entirely, assuming that admissions officers will favor this kind of response or be skeptical of those who express too favorable views of the technology.—
Christopher Rim,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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LeCun, who has been openly skeptical that current approaches to AI will lead to human-level AI, let alone superintelligence, has been increasingly sidelined in Meta’s drive to develop AI models and products.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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Local media outlets earlier in the day said that Ishiba was unsure of his future and would take a call on whether to continue as prime minister in August.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
23 July 2025
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If the Dodgers are unable to make a deal with Cleveland, there are other options on the market, but many teams are unsure of their path leading up to the trade deadline.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Turquoise Alerts are for missing endangered persons under 65 in suspicious circumstances, while Silver Alerts are for those 65+ or with cognitive disabilities.—
Wren Smetana,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
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Police said in a news conference that there were no signs of suspicious activity in his death and an investigation is ongoing.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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The shift is rapid, relentless, and, for millions of Americans, deeply uncertain.—
John Hope Bryant,
Time,
31 July 2025
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Alexander Isak is training individually at former club Real Sociedad with his future at Newcastle United uncertain.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Be cautious using public Wi-Fi Avoid logging into accounts on public Wi-Fi or always use a VPN.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
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Swimmers should be cautious of cold shock in waters below 60 degrees.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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State officials are careful to identify the correct individual with the precise address before sending any money.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
25 July 2025
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However, realizing these benefits demands careful tool selection, integration, oversight and governance.—
John Arsneault,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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