What Is Another Way to Say “Not Trusting”?

Looking for synonyms for not trusting? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say not trusting.

  • Suspicious
  • Distrustful
  • Skeptical
  • Wary
  • Doubtful
  • Cynical
  • Leery
  • Disbelieving
  • Unconvinced
  • Guarded
  • Incredulous
  • Mistrustful
  • Questioning
  • Hesitant
  • Nonbelieving
  • Apprehensive
  • Uncertain
  • Pessimistic
  • Disenchanted
  • Skeptical

Want to learn how to say not trusting professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Suspicious

Appropriate Use: When someone is inclined to suspect that something is wrong or dishonest.
Example: “The manager was suspicious of the sudden changes in the financial report.”

2. Distrustful

Appropriate Use: Used when there is a general lack of trust or confidence in someone or something.
Example: “She remained distrustful of the new software’s accuracy, preferring to rely on manual checks.”

3. Skeptical

Appropriate Use: Suitable for situations where someone doubts the truth or validity of something.
Example: “The team was skeptical about the feasibility of completing the project in just two months.”

4. Wary

Appropriate Use: Indicates being cautious about possible dangers or problems.
Example: “He was wary of making any investments based on the consultant’s advice without further research.”

5. Doubtful

Appropriate Use: Used when someone feels uncertain or unconvinced about something.
Example: “The committee was doubtful about the benefits of the proposed merger.”

6. Cynical

Appropriate Use: Suitable for a situation where one’s attitude is scornfully distrustful of human nature and motives.
Example: “Her cynical view of the company’s charity efforts questioned their true intentions.”

7. Leery

Appropriate Use: Used to describe a cautious or wary attitude, especially because something feels wrong or suspicious.
Example: “Employees were leery of the changes to the company’s privacy policy.”

8. Disbelieving

Appropriate Use: When someone is unable to believe something; feeling that something is unlikely or untrue.
Example: “He was disbelieving of the sudden turnaround in the company’s financial situation.”

9. Unconvinced

Appropriate Use: Used when someone is not persuaded that something is true or worthwhile.
Example: “The board remained unconvinced about the new CEO’s restructuring plan.”

10. Guarded

Appropriate Use: Indicates being cautious or non-committal, especially to avoid being easily hurt or deceived.
Example: “The spokesperson gave a guarded response when asked about potential layoffs.”

11. Incredulous

Appropriate Use: Suitable for expressing disbelief about something.
Example: “The auditor was incredulous when he found discrepancies in the accounts.”

12. Mistrustful

Appropriate Use: When there is a lack of trust in someone or something.
Example: “She became mistrustful of the data accuracy after finding several errors.”

13. Questioning

Appropriate Use: Used when someone is making inquiries or having doubts about something.
Example: “The regulators were questioning the legality of the company’s tax practices.”

14. Hesitant

Appropriate Use: Indicates reluctance or unwillingness to believe or act due to doubts.
Example: “He was hesitant to sign the contract without consulting his lawyer.”

15. Nonbelieving

Appropriate Use: Suitable for describing a lack of belief or acceptance.
Example: “The investors were nonbelieving of the startup’s claimed valuation without seeing proof.”

16. Apprehensive

Appropriate Use: When someone is anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
Example: “She was apprehensive about the new market expansion’s potential risks.”

17. Uncertain

Appropriate Use: Indicates a lack of sureness about someone or something.
Example: “The future of the project was uncertain due to fluctuating market conditions.”

18. Pessimistic

Appropriate Use: Suitable for a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
Example: “His pessimistic view on the economic recovery affected his investment decisions.”

19. Disenchanted

Appropriate Use: Used when someone is disappointed by discovering something is not as good as one believed it to be.
Example: “After several failed initiatives, she became disenchanted with the company’s leadership.”

20. Skeptical

Appropriate Use: Suitable for expressing doubt about the truth or reliability of something.
Example: “The employees were skeptical about the effectiveness of the new management strategy.”

Linda Brown