MISTRUSTFUL Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

mistrustful

adjective

Definition of mistrustful

as in skeptical

inclined to doubt or question claims we were mistrustful of the so-called "miracle cure" for obesity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in unsure

not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something inhabitants of that remote community tend to be mistrustful of outsiders

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 mistrustful Our ability to win over local constituencies deeply mistrustful of both our products and our leaders is uncertain. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 10 Sep. 2026 The Social Democrats, led by Kurt Schumacher, a prickly figure who had suffered horribly for resisting the Nazis, were mistrustful of the United States and hoped to reunify Germany as a neutral state at the center of Europe. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Once a lawyerly panel, a takeover by a trio of conservatives deeply mistrustful of the state’s voting system has turned the board’s once mundane meetings into boisterous events packed with crowds of cheering and jeering activists. — Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The idea is to strategically moderate on certain cultural issues in order to become more palatable to mistrustful constituencies. — Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026 People are mistrustful of government at all levels right now, according to Larson. — R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026 Initially mistrustful of each other, the two men bond over Molina's stories about movie star Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez) and her starring role in the eponymous film-within-a-film. — Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mistrustful

Adjective

Others are skeptical the task force can accomplish much in such a short time period, arguing that eventually sweeping new legislation will be needed to regulate AI.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Though Netflix is profitable, analysts say the company hasn’t produced enough hits and are skeptical of its plans to grow its subscriber base.

— Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of skeptical

Adjective

Residents said most of the children killed lived in the Dir Colony neighborhood, where the school is located, leaving them unsure which bereaved family to visit first to offer condolences.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Hujar is unsure of his prospects, curious where his talent and ambition might lead, embedded in a community that may or may not take him there.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of unsure

Adjective

For all current and former Florida residents, FLHSMV recommended taking precautions, including monitoring financial accounts and reviewing credit reports for any suspicious activity.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Researchers at iVerify discovered it while investigating a suspicious infection in August 2026.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of suspicious

Adjective

Called Motor Decide, the tool is designed to help industries evaluate electric motor technologies and make informed decisions under uncertain market conditions.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
These industry changes come at an uncertain time as artificial intelligence encroaches on the creative field and consumers are turning to social media platforms for music consumption and discovery.

— Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of uncertain

Adjective

Jones was often jealous, distrustful, possessive and controlling of his girlfriend, according to the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026
The women recognize each other from group therapy and immediately are distrustful of one another.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of distrustful

Adjective

Full-scale, 10-foot Hulk standins helped actors and camera crews judge his dimensions on set, and even his pants required careful attention.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Turning a field into a recognizable maze requires specialized planning and careful execution.

— Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of careful

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mistrusted

mistrustful

mistrustfully

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“Mistrustful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mistrustful. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mistrustful

adjective

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