Definitions

distrustful

[dis-truhst-fuhl] / dɪsˈtrʌst fəl /

ADJECTIVE

disbelieving

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cautious doubtful dubious fearful jealous leery mistrustful skeptical suspicious uneasy wary

WEAK

been hit before cagey chary cynical doubting uptight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

believing careless certain clear confident definite heedless incautious rash sure trusting trustworthy trusty unquestionable

WEAK

assured faithful trustful unsuspecting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Much of the Catholic hierarchy in Rome remained distrustful of American political norms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

The people angered by and distrustful of Discord’s invasive verification methods are right to be.

From Slate • Feb. 11, 2026

My distrustful and selfish brother was named as the executor of my late parents’ estate.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

She also noted a lack of public health outreach to communities that have been hesitant or distrustful of vaccines.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2025

Taran cast Orddu a distrustful glance, but ventured to put his weight against the cauldron.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander