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Who were the Cynics that lent their name to the word cynical?

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cynical

American  

[sin-i-kuhl] / ˈsɪn ɪ kəl /

adjective

1. distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; like or characteristic of a cynic.

   Antonyms:

   optimistic

2. showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one's actions, especially by actions that exploit the scruples of others.

3. bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.

   Antonyms:

   optimistic

4. (initial capital letter) cynic.

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cynical British  

/ ˈsɪnɪkəl /

adjective

1. distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp that all acts are selfish

2. sarcastic; mocking

3. showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp of honesty or morality

   the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way

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Synonym Usage

Cynical, pessimistic, sarcastic, satirical imply holding a low opinion of humanity. Cynical suggests a disbelief in the sincerity of human motives: cynical about honesty. Pessimistic implies a more or less habitual disposition to look on the dark side of things, and to believe that the worst will happen: pessimistic as to the future. Sarcastic refers to sneering or making cutting jibes: sarcastic about a profession of faith. Satirical suggests expressing scorn or ridicule by saying the opposite of what one means: a satirical attack on his political promises.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• quasi-cynically
  adverb
• supercynicalness
  noun
• cynicalness
  noun
• supercynically
  adverb
• supercynical
  adjective
• anticynical
  adjective
• anticynically
  adverb
• uncynical
  adjective
• quasi-cynical
  adjective
• cynically
  adverb
• semicynically
  adverb
• uncynically
  adverb
• semicynical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of cynical

First recorded in 1580–90; cynic + -al ¹

Explanation

If you think public officials are nothing but a bunch of greedy buffoons, you have a cynical attitude about politics. A cynical person has a bleak outlook about others, always imagining that people are ruled by their worst instincts. H.L. Mencken was famous for saying cynical things like, "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public." The original Cynics were ancient Greek philosophers who never had a good word to say about anyone. The Greek word kynikos actually means "canine," maybe because all of that sneering seemed a little dog-like.

Example Sentences

Markets aren’t cynical enough to jettison their bets on tech, however, and continue to ride the sector’s extraordinary gains into the start of the new month.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

“As the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles approach, we cannot allow what should be a celebration of honest sporting endeavor to be overshadowed by this cynical attempt to undermine clean sport,” Banka said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

“This may be a little cynical, but every brand wants exposure like this showing how hot a product is,” said Tony Traina, who writes a regular newsletter on watches.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

He has said his upbringing left him "quite cynical" of the role of the state compared with many Labour colleagues, aware of its failings as well as its potential to enable opportunity.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Or was their tenure somewhat less cynical, more a matter of improvisation, motivated by the distant but vague object of forging a lasting harmony between Greek and Egyptian?

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro