cynical
Americanadjective
-
distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; like or characteristic of a cynic.
- Antonyms:
- optimistic
-
showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one's actions, especially by actions that exploit the scruples of others.
-
bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.
- Antonyms:
- optimistic
-
(initial capital letter) cynic.
adjective
-
distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp that all acts are selfish
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sarcastic; mocking
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showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp of honesty or morality
the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way
Related Words
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
Etymology
Origin of cynical
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.
Vocabulary lists containing cynical
The Great Gatsby
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Night
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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cynical readers need not worry that I'm asking them to hand out medals for courage to university administrators.
From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025
Cynical supporters might not be getting overexcited just yet, but signs are pointing to a new dawn for Everton.
From BBC • Sep. 23, 2024
Cynical people will act as they think appropriate, but the King column recommended a happier endeavor.
From Washington Post • Apr. 23, 2021
Cynical, unremittingly dark and extremely intense, “Fight Club” tells the story of a young man whose after-hours boxing club, attended by other disaffected white-collar men, underscores the emptiness of modern society.
From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2020
“Vera, this is what kids do in high school. You shouldn’t be up here sulking. You should go back and be yourself. Cynical, funny, straight-up Vera Dietz.”
From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
