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
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.
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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
But now, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of Americans are distrustful when authorities go against something seemingly intuitive — like the idea that ingesting low levels of herbicides and heavy metals over your lifetime will be bad for your health.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
Reshaping the space agency Long considered one of the best places to work in the federal government, NASA is already in the midst of changes that have angered some high-ranking staff and left them feeling distrustful of current leadership.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distrustful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful
Adjective
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When Adam Neumann launched Flow, his residential real-estate venture, a little over three years ago, a lot of people were skeptical.—
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Still, the man who brought the game to life is skeptical.—
Adjective
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Researchers are still unsure of the exact cause of a water allergy.—
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The letter said that educators who were unsure of their responsibility were not given guidance or support about what to do.—
Adjective
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Joshua later discovered that the police received a tip about a suspicious vehicle earlier that day.—
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Aurora police received reports at about 3 p.m. Monday of a suspicious person trespassing at The Parking Spot in the 19900 block of East 56th Avenue, trying to break into vehicles and refusing to leave, according to a news release from the police department.—
Adjective
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In the early, uncertain days of COVID-19, when people were told to stay home to save lives, Lightfoot chose compassion over citations.—
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This phenomenon has been further propelled by ongoing inflation, high interest rates, and an uncertain economic outlook.—
Adjective
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Younger teammates were cautious to approach him, mindful of his intense dedication to his process and wary of disrupting it.—
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While there's no way to know who will have a reaction to the stings, Suiter says that anyone who carries an Epipen for other stinging insects should be exceptionally cautious.—
Adjective
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From examining markets and assessing team capacity to reviewing current offerings, the decision to expand to a second storefront is one that requires careful consideration before any concrete plans are put in motion.—
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Hillman and the department urged residents in the area to be extra careful this time of year.—
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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