DISTRUST Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

distrust 1 of 2

noun

(ˌ)dis-ˈtrəst

Definition of distrust

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

Various polls suggest that public distrust of AI technology is building. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026 Kotlikoff acknowledged frustration that Cornell has not communicated enough, saying that has led to distrust. — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Verb

This organic metaphor, like the more direct invocation of the female body as an icon, seems to represent another aspect of ostensible artistic sincerity that Koether shows herself inclined to distrust. — Barry Schwabsky, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026 Democrats, with their signature concern for minority rights, had additional reasons to distrust straightforward majority rule. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distrust

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distrust

Noun

Complicating things is the current Administration, which has mastered the art of using those message-delivery systems to spread doubt and discontent and suspicion.

— Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Beset with doubts and periods of blockage, Krasner had to find constantly ways to move on and pursue a trajectory that was all her own, all while facing Pollock’s larger-than-life.

— John Yau, ARTnews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of doubt

Noun

Of the 13 most competitive Senate races, seven Republicans have expressed skepticism or outright opposition to the agreement that is unlikely to significantly affect high diesel costs contributing to broader inflation.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
Leaning into many voters’ skepticism of artificial intelligence and data centers, Biss has also put forward a multipart plan to regulate the industry.

— Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of skepticism

Noun

On Tuesday, Berkeley police investigators arrested Ayubi in El Cerrito for suspicion of two counts of felony hit-and-run.

— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Searches of the data must be for law enforcement purposes only and there must be reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, the policy states.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of suspicion

Noun

For a government overseeing a population dominated by mobile expats, that created a lot of uncertainty in terms of establishing an economic base that can support a welfare system and basic state infrastructure.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The shooting has brought medical expenses and uncertainty to her family, according to the fundraising campaign.

— Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncertainty

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districts

distrust

distrusted

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“Distrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distrust. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of distrust

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