MISTRUST Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'mistrust' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mistrust are doubt , dubiety , skepticism , suspicion , and uncertainty . While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion. // had a great mistrust of doctors

Q: When is it sensible to use 'doubt' instead of 'mistrust'?

While the synonyms doubt and mistrust are close in meaning, doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision. // plagued by doubts as to what to do

Q: In what contexts can 'dubiety' take the place of 'mistrust'?

The synonyms dubiety and mistrust are sometimes interchangeable, but dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions. // felt some dubiety about its practicality

Q: When is 'skepticism' a more appropriate choice than 'mistrust'?

The meanings of skepticism and mistrust largely overlap; however, skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence. // an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

Q: Where would 'suspicion' be a reasonable alternative to 'mistrust'?

While in some cases nearly identical to mistrust , suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone. // regarded the stranger with suspicion

Q: When might 'uncertainty' be a better fit than 'mistrust'?

In some situations, the words uncertainty and mistrust are roughly equivalent. However, uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result. // assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty

mistrust 1 of 2

noun

ˌmis-ˈtrəst

Definition of mistrust next

as in doubt

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something had an unfortunate mistrust of doctors, so her medical condition was allowed to worsen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

mistrust

2 of 2

verb

as in to doubt

to have no trust or confidence in a recluse who mistrusts her neighbors and stays in her house all day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mistrust differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mistrust are doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, and uncertainty. While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

When is it sensible to use doubt instead of mistrust?

While the synonyms doubt and mistrust are close in meaning, doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

In what contexts can dubiety take the place of mistrust?

The synonyms dubiety and mistrust are sometimes interchangeable, but dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

When is skepticism a more appropriate choice than mistrust?

The meanings of skepticism and mistrust largely overlap; however, skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

Where would suspicion be a reasonable alternative to mistrust?

While in some cases nearly identical to mistrust, suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

When might uncertainty be a better fit than mistrust?

In some situations, the words uncertainty and mistrust are roughly equivalent. However, uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result.

assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of mistrust

Noun

Both cases have also revealed deep wells of mistrust and anger within tennis from fans and players alike, confused at players being allowed to play while under investigation. —

Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024 MicroStrategy has continuously bought Bitcoin since then, building significant ownership that has attracted both respect and mistrust. —

Jim Osman, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

Verb

The proliferation of partisan gerrymandering in many states, for example, and the range of electoral procedures between states and even from one county to another, can lead voters to mistrust the system. —

Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024 This level of transparency is compelling for investors, especially in an age where opaque financial systems have led to mistrust. —

Jason Dehni, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mistrust

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistrust

Noun

While there have already been glimpses of this in the past with former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace and Joe Hendry, there's no doubt fans will see more of this, especially heading into the Royal Rumble.

— David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
In addition, conservative thought leaders — including those behind the Project 2025 playbook — have been contemplating Trump’s return for years, and have no doubt been helping Trump craft orders that are less vulnerable to legal challenges, the experts said.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025