Synonyms of mistrust

mistrust 1 of 2

noun

ˌmis-ˈtrəst 

as in doubt

a feeling or attitude that one does not know the truth, truthfulness, or trustworthiness of someone or something

had an unfortunate mistrust of doctors, so her medical condition was allowed to worsen

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doubt
• skepticism
• suspicion
• distrust
• uncertainty
• disbelief
• concern
• reservation
• distrustfulness
• incertitude
• dubiety
• misgiving
• query
• misdoubt
• mistrustfulness
• dubitation
• paranoia
• incredulity
• wariness
• unbelief
• anxiety
• qualm
• compunction
• tremor
• scruple
• niggle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• trust
• belief
• confidence
• conviction
• certainty
• assurance
• surety
• faith
• certitude
• sureness
• credence

mistrust

2 of 2

verb

as in to doubt

to have no trust or confidence in

a recluse who mistrusts her neighbors and stays in her house all day

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doubt
• question
• distrust
• suspect
• misdoubt
• disbelieve
• discredit
• discount
• negate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• trust
• depend (on or upon)
• rely (on or upon)
• count (on or upon)
• bank (on or upon)

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun mistrust differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mistrust are doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, and uncertainty. While all these words mean "lack of sureness about someone or something," mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

When is it sensible to use doubt instead of mistrust?

While the synonyms doubt and mistrust are close in meaning, doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

In what contexts can dubiety take the place of mistrust?

The synonyms dubiety and mistrust are sometimes interchangeable, but dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

When is skepticism a more appropriate choice than mistrust?

The meanings of skepticism and mistrust largely overlap; however, skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

Where would suspicion be a reasonable alternative to mistrust?

While in some cases nearly identical to mistrust, suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

When might uncertainty be a better fit than mistrust?

In some situations, the words uncertainty and mistrust are roughly equivalent. However, uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result.

assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of mistrust

Noun

But the anti-fluoridation movement seems to be gaining popularity, and has been since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and a resulting mistrust of government health policies. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025

An emblem of hope becomes a totem of governmental mistrust. —Alexis Coe, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025

Verb

In the clinic, mistrust can create an untenable situation. —Daniel T. Kim, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 2025

And yet, such anti-vaccine justifications had found fertile ground in turn-of-the-century America among proponents of alternative healing who mistrusted mainstream medical expertise. —Helen L. Murphey / Made By History, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025