distrustful look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distrustful look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys suspicion or lack of trust towards someone or something. Example: "She gave him a distrustful look when he suggested they go to a secluded area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

People are distrustful, looking at each other.

The Guardian

Even 3 years ago, those looking for alternative careers in science still suffered the distrustful looks of potential employers who felt that all Ph.D.s should be in the lab with assorted colored boiling flasks on their benchtops, trying to cure cancer.

Science Magazine

She looked distrustful.

The New Yorker

We're highly distrustful of anything that looks like censorship, or spying, or restriction of freedom in any way.

The New Yorker

Oddly enough, though, enemies are distrustful of anyone who doesn't look exactly like them, so a thug recruit can walk past a thug enemy unhindered but will be immediately attacked by an enemy officer.

The New York Times

The trials the Donner Party had so far endured resulted in splintered groups, each looking out for themselves and distrustful of the others.

Wikipedia

Citizens, said by some of the landmen to have grown distrustful since agreeing to deals months ago that now look pallid, are in the Records Room doing their own research about mineral rights.

The New York Times

Perhaps the principal threat of the radioactive water is to the Japanese government, which after all the missteps cannot afford to look feckless before a citizenry that is already distrustful of its pronouncements and dubious about nuclear energy.

The New York Times

The other expression I learned to look for displayed a combination of impatience, distrust and, most importantly, their own disappointment with themselves for being distrustful.

The Guardian - Books

Initially the small-minded local residents are suspicious and distrustful just because the Yellow Car has three wheels and looks different.

Huffington Post

"If you look at the broad, long sweep of history, the American people are more distrustful of government, more distrustful of politics, and more distrustful of political institutions, and the right captured this earlier on than the left," CAP's new President Neera Tanden told The Huffington Post in a recent interview.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction, use "distrustful look" to subtly convey suspicion without explicitly stating it. Show, don't tell.

Common error

Vary your descriptions of suspicion by using synonyms or describing the actions that accompany it. Over-reliance on "distrustful look" can make your writing repetitive and less engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distrustful look" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun (usually a person) to indicate that they are exhibiting an expression characterized by a lack of trust or suspicion. Since Ludwig provides examples, this is a usable expression.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distrustful look" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an expression showing a lack of trust or suspicion. Although Ludwig confirms its usability, the phrase is currently marked as missing due to the absence of real-world examples within the provided data. While semantically clear, varying your descriptive language with synonyms such as "suspicious gaze" or "skeptical expression" can enhance writing. Given the current analysis, it's a valid but infrequently documented descriptive term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Suspicious gaze

Replaces "look" with "gaze" and "distrustful" with "suspicious", emphasizing intense scrutiny.

Skeptical look

Direct synonym replacement, using 'skeptical' instead of 'distrustful'.

Skeptical expression

Substitutes the visual "look" with a more general "expression" to convey doubt or disbelief.

Wary glance

Uses "glance" instead of "look" and "wary" for "distrustful", suggesting caution and apprehension.

Look of suspicion

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the suspicion itself.

Dubious stare

Employs "stare" to heighten the intensity of the look, implying deeper suspicion.

Questioning look

Shifts the focus to inquiry and uncertainty rather than overt distrust.

Apprehensive gaze

Highlights the anxiety and unease associated with the distrustful sentiment.

Cynical expression

Replaces distrust with cynicism, indicating a belief that people are generally selfish.

Unconvinced look

Focuses on the lack of belief rather than active distrust.

FAQs

What does "distrustful look" mean?

A "distrustful look" describes a facial expression that communicates a lack of trust or suspicion towards someone or something.

How can I use "distrustful look" in a sentence?

You can use "distrustful look" to describe someone's expression when they don't trust someone or something. For example, "She gave him a "distrustful look" after he lied to her."

What are some synonyms for "distrustful look"?

Alternatives to "distrustful look" include "suspicious gaze", "skeptical expression", or "wary glance".

Is "distrustful look" formal or informal?

"Distrustful look" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding text than on the phrase itself.