distrust 1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)dis-ˈtrəst How to pronounce distrust (audio)
Definition of distrustnext
as in doubt
a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something the psychic's bold claims were greeted with distrust and outright scorn

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distrust

2 of 2

verb

as in to doubt
to have no trust or confidence in we instinctively distrust those phone calls that tell us we have won a free vacation or car

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Example 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 distrust
Noun
Victims’ families and experts are unsure the higher amounts will be enough to get tipsters to come forward, citing people’s fears and distrust of the federal government. — Sarah Raza, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 For survivors like Abrams, distrust of Newsom’s proposal is heightened by the publicity campaign of a group called Wildfire Victims First that has run a highly-visible ad campaign calling for reform. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
Writing my memoir, Don’t Be Evil, sent me searching for a broader explanation of how Silicon Valley became so powerful, so deeply distrusted, and still so difficult to meaningfully challenge. — Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026 Someone who distrusts pharmaceutical companies may be more receptive to claims that the pandemic was engineered for profit. — Art Jipson, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for distrust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrust
  1. doubt
  2. skepticism
  3. suspicion
  4. uncertainty
  5. mistrust
Noun
  • In most other franchises, a 4-2 road trip through two New York boroughs could calm the speculation, but one with such enormous standards — and that has already taken drastic action — doesn’t receive that benefit of the doubt.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Without a doubt, opponents of the deal will seize on that as evidence of its being exploitative and will demand renegotiation on that basis.
    — Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • Among attendees of the conference, however, a clearer skepticism emerged about Warsh’s endgame.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Warsh on Friday reiterated his skepticism about providing such guidance or even outlining his broad approach to interest-rate policy.
    — Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of skepticism
Noun
  • According to the report, there was no suspicion that Russini was closer to Vrabel than anyone else.
    — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Once viewed with suspicion by much of the political establishment, nationalist parties have increasingly gained influence within governments and European institutions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of suspicion
Noun
  • Future Vikings Ring of Honor member Harrison Smith’s status remains up in the air, but the team’s uncertainty at the position suggests his return would be welcome.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The uncertainty has left many California homeowners at war with their insurers.
    — Evan Bush, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of uncertainty
Noun
  • As a writer, though, that mistrust of the system should be baked in.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Our community carries decades of justified mistrust toward institutions that have not always earned it.
    — Chuka Onuh, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of mistrust

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distrust
distrusted
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Cite this Entry

“Distrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrust. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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