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Definition of mistrustful

mistrustful

/mɪsˈtrʌstfəl/
mis · trust · ful
Adverb:mistrustfully
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mistrustful Lexical Profile

mistrustful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Feeling or showing a lack of trust, confidence, or faith in someone or something; wary or suspicious.

Example

"Having been misled by exaggerated promises in the past, the residents remained mistrustful of the developer's new proposal."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mistrustful
Antonyms
View all antonyms for mistrustful

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'mistrustful' and 'distrustful' are largely interchangeable, 'mistrustful' often implies a general, instinctive wariness or unease without concrete proof, whereas 'distrustful' typically suggests a stronger, active suspicion based on past experience or evidence.

• Rhymes for mistrustful

• Nearby Words

mistress
mistrial
mistrust
mistrustful
mistrustfully
mistruth
misty

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 16th century, formed from the noun or verb 'mistrust' combined with the adjective-forming suffix '-ful'. The root 'trust' derives from Old Norse 'traust', meaning confidence, help, or protection.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mistrustful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mistrustful
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