medium
The rescued cat was mistrustful until it learned the family was gentle.
What does Mistrustful mean?
Mistrustful means not ready to trust someone or something.
Dictionary definition
Not ready to trust someone or something.
Example sentences
Mistrustful in a sentence
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Mistrustful
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does mistrustful mean?
Mistrustful means not ready to trust someone or something.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to mistrustful?
Suspicious is close in meaning to mistrustful in this context.
Practice 3
Which sentence best shows someone feeling mistrustful?
This sentence gives clues that show the meaning of mistrustful.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Mistrustful
Voice settings
Sounds like
mis · trust · ful · strongest beat: trust
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordMistrustful.
Partadjective.
MeaningMistrustful means not ready to trust someone or something.
ExampleExample: The rescued cat was mistrustful until it learned the family was gentle.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- mis · trust · ful
- Strongest beat
- trust
- Ending
- ful
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on trust.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Mistrustful
suspiciousUse when someone is unsure whether to trust.
Antonyms
Opposite words
trustingUse when someone believes another person is honest or safe.
Synonym practice
Want to practice mistrustful synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The mistrustful cat stayed far from the noisy box," then compare close word choices. Practice mistrustful synonyms.
Word family
Mistrustful word family
Base word
mistrust
verb
mistrusted
Did not trust someone or something.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Mistrustful
Hint for students
Look for clues that show doubt or trouble trusting.
Common mix-up
Mistrustful does not always mean rude; it can come from worry or past experience.
Try it in class or at home
Read the model sentence and underline the clue words that show the feeling or trait. Then write a new sentence that shows mistrustful without using the word mistrustful.
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The rescued cat was mistrustful until it learned the family was gentle." What clues show what mistrustful means?
Word category
Explore more feelings words
This word is part of WordHive's feelings words collection. Browse more emotion words, compare close meanings, and practice using them in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Mistrustful and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice MISTRUSTFUL” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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