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.
—
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
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.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
16 May 2025
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Still, the man who brought the game to life is skeptical.—
Seth Emerson,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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And for some students at the start of their academic and professional careers, the latest development leaves them unsure about what to do next.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
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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.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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There was no indication of suspicious activity and no danger to the public, police said.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
25 May 2025
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On Wednesday, an investigator spied a suspicious drone over the detention center shortly before 3 a.m. and tracked it to a landing spot on top of an SUV parked just down the road.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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This phenomenon has been further propelled by ongoing inflation, high interest rates, and an uncertain economic outlook.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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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.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Protect kids, whose skin is especially sensitive to UV damage Be cautious around water and sand, which reflect UV rays and increase exposure Check the UV index in your area for real-time guidance on sun safety To see the entire 2025 Annual Guide to Sunscreens report, click here.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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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.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
22 May 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,
25 May 2025
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Many participants with conflicting ideologies also reported cohabiting peacefully for the most part, while being careful not to bring up divisive topics and focus on their similarities instead.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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