cynical

[sin-i-kuhl]

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.

cynical

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cynical¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

She agreed that some “pick-me girls” are just being cynical, but also offered an alternative explanation.

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"We fully expect these cynical attempts to smear Reform and mislead the public to intensify further as we move closer to the next election," he added.

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Thankfully, Erivo’s maturity now works since her character is wiser and more cynical — although it’s still goofy to see her skateboarding on a broomstick.

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Kyiv and its Western partners call the attacks cynical attempts to sap society's morale by plunging millions into the cold and dark as temperatures drop below freezing.

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When Universal Pictures split its musical adaptation of "Wicked" into two films, the move was derided by some critics as a cynical -- if spectacularly successful -- money grab.

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