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
Researchers found that right-wing users were far more distrustful of fact-checks, but that the interventions were still effective at reducing their belief in false content.
—
Stuart A. Thompson, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
The pandemic saw Americans, distrustful of authority, trying to discredit effective vaccines, spreading conspiracy theories, and attacking public-health officials.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024
The public was still distrustful of what has come to be known as the imperial presidency, says Jerry, so a newcomer was more than welcome in Washington.
—Andrea Michelson, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Dec. 2024
Essentially, Wilson was distrustful of Hollywood (relayed in his essay for Spin magazine), so Wilson’s estate gave Denzel Washington supervision over the film adaptation of the entire cycle.
—Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distrustful 
Stuart A. Thompson, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
The pandemic saw Americans, distrustful of authority, trying to discredit effective vaccines, spreading conspiracy theories, and attacking public-health officials.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024
The public was still distrustful of what has come to be known as the imperial presidency, says Jerry, so a newcomer was more than welcome in Washington.
—Andrea Michelson, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Dec. 2024
Essentially, Wilson was distrustful of Hollywood (relayed in his essay for Spin magazine), so Wilson’s estate gave Denzel Washington supervision over the film adaptation of the entire cycle.
—Armond White, National Review, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distrustful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrustful
Adjective
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The Federal Trade Commission under President Trump is beefing up its staff with a string of new hires who are skeptical of Big Tech.—
Marc Caputo,
Axios,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Joel Corry, a former agent who covers NFL contracts and the salary cap for CBS Sports, is skeptical of a quick resolution.—
Jerry McDonald,
The Mercury News,
9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, police are unsure if the attacker acted on his own and are searching for other potential suspects.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
15 Feb. 2025
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The Trump of the first half of the movie might surprise viewers used to the 2025 version: an outer-borough scion, ambitious but unsure, who bristles under his despotic father, aspires to greater recognition and bets big on the revival of Midtown Manhattan during its 1970s nadir.—
Marc Tracy,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The victim must be at least 65 years old, may be in danger due to health or suspicious reasons and the investigating agency has exhausted all its resources.—
Sacramento Bee,
Sacramento Bee,
7 Feb. 2025
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Did Belle Gibson visit that very suspicious doctor?—
Erin Jensen,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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However, dissolving the DoE would require congressional approval, which remains uncertain.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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Reporting meant hours of conversation in the car; room for asking the same questions over and over; the gradual diminishment of one’s embarrassment about being ignorant or uncertain; a dilatory attitude of quiet listening and watching; the possibility of misunderstandings resolved.—
Joshua Rothman,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
However, few Republicans view the economy as excellent or good, marking a cautious optimism amidst ongoing economic concerns.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
13 Feb. 2025
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Forest have been more cautious with loans in the 2024-25 season.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Mayor Cherelle Parker advises citizens on Thursday to be careful when celebrating the Super Bowl.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC News,
7 Feb. 2025
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Be careful to not over mix the bread-stir just until combined for a better texture.—
Bev Barrett,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near distrustful
Cite this Entry
“Distrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrustful. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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