mistrustful
Wary of intentions
Mistrustful describes someone who lacks trust or confidence in others, often suspecting dishonesty or bad intentions.
A mistrustful person tends to be wary and skeptical, doubting the reliability or sincerity of people and their motives.
After being cheated by the contractor, she became mistrustful of anyone offering home repairs.
The word suggests an ongoing disposition rather than a momentary feeling, distinguishing it from the more situational suspicious.
Inclined to question claims
- dubiousOf uncertain reliability
- incredulousExpressing unwillingness to believe
- disbelievingRefusing to accept something
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
uncertain · unconvinced · distrustful · cynical · leery · misgiving · apprehensive · hesitant
Inclined to distrust
- fearfulFull of fright
- hypervigilantAbnormally heightened awareness state
- anxiousTroubled by uncertainty
- persecutedSubjected to hostile treatment
irrational · obsessive · distrustful · insecure · phobic · neurotic · overwrought · unhinged
skeptical
Inclined to question claims
- dubiousOf uncertain reliability
- incredulousExpressing unwillingness to believe
- disbelievingRefusing to accept something
questioning · uncertain · unconvinced · distrustful · cynical · leery · misgiving · apprehensive · hesitant · unbelieving
suspicious
Inclined to distrust
- fearfulFull of fright
- hypervigilantAbnormally heightened awareness state
- anxiousTroubled by uncertainty
persecuted · irrational · obsessive · distrustful · insecure · phobic · neurotic · overwrought · unhinged
cautious
Careful to avoid risk
- waryGuardedly alert
- circumspectCarefully considering consequences
- vigilantKeenly aware of danger
watchful · chary · careful · alert · prudent · defensive · reserved · protective · cagey · on-guard
- doubtdoubt, doubts, doubting, doubtful, skepticism
- skepticismdoubt, skeptic, doubts, debunker, doubtful
- attachment stylessecure, anxious, avoidant, disorganized, ambivalent
mistrustfultrusting
Inclined to believe others
trustful · credulous · gullible · unsuspecting · unsuspicious