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
But with their publics already distrustful of Washington, European governments will balk at the pressure to buy American.
—
Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 24 Mar. 2025
Since the election, the phrase has become popular among an online right distrustful of legacy news outlets.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
Though many of these claims were eventually debunked, the damage is already done—people are left confused, angry, and distrustful of those tasked with recovery.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
After Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the American public has become even more distrustful of the Russian autocrat.
—Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Jack Watling, Foreign Affairs, 24 Mar. 2025
Since the election, the phrase has become popular among an online right distrustful of legacy news outlets.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2025
Though many of these claims were eventually debunked, the damage is already done—people are left confused, angry, and distrustful of those tasked with recovery.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
After Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the American public has become even more distrustful of the Russian autocrat.
—Michael McFaul, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful
Adjective
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When Miramar native Evans St. Fort opened St. Fort’s Funeral Home in North Miami Beach in 2003, clients were skeptical of a funeral director still in his 20s.—
Raisa Habersham,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2025
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In underbanked markets—particularly those plagued by high rates of online fraud—newer fintechs must work hard to win the trust of customers who might be skeptical about using digital services.—
Murtaza Ali,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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Fewer than half of U.S. businesses report having a formal crisis communication plan, and 23% either don’t have one or are unsure if a plan exists.—
Nicole Tidei,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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When Ginny & Georgia’s Brianne Howey entered the courtroom set for Season 3, she was tasked with playing a new version of her usually confident and cunning character– one that was now afraid, powerless, and exceedingly unsure of herself.—
Jennifer Adams,
StyleCaster,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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This allows radiologists to see blood flow to areas of the breast—highlighting suspicious areas that might otherwise be hidden by dense tissue.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
6 June 2025
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The agencies urged the public to remain vigilant and report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to law enforcement.—
Jeremy Harlan,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The impact of the decision is uncertain because immigrants could apply for legal status under other programs.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
13 June 2025
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The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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The Chiefs, who have a history of being cautious with their rookies during summer practices, nonetheless had Simmons participate in non-team drills during rookie minicamp last month.—
Jesse Newell,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
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Be cautious not to overuse vinegar in the dishwasher, as the acid can degrade certain rubber components, like gaskets and filters.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
7 June 2025
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However, Kilmeade was careful to praise Musk’s efforts during his time in the Trump administration.—
Andrew Kirell,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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