# distrustful

/dɪˈstɹəstfəɫ/ (US) · /dɪstɹˈʌstfəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/distrustful
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

not quick to trust people or things because you think they might lie or harm you.

For teachers: inclined to withhold trust from people, claims, or situations perceived as potentially dishonest or unreliable.

## Examples

- She feels distrustful of strangers who ask for money.
- After two scams, he grew distrustful of online sellers who demanded payment in advance.
- A distrustful electorate, wearied by broken promises, now scrutinises every policy announcement for hidden costs and quiet reversals.

## Synonyms

suspicious, wary, skeptical, mistrustful

## Antonyms

trusting, trustful

## Usage notes

- Typically followed by 'of'; often used predicatively after 'feel', 'seem', 'become' or 'grow'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.