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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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

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

Etymology

Origin of cynical

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

Example Sentences

Though Charlie is handsome and clever, he is a horrible person who meets all attempts to help him with the same cynical disdain.

From The Wall Street Journal

“My Undesirable Friends” is scary but somehow not cynical.

From Los Angeles Times

Even viewers who bristle at his character’s cynical opinions get satisfaction from watching a fact-spitter set people straight.

From The Wall Street Journal

It would be easy for former President Barack Obama to get cynical.

From Salon

Ms. McGarr, who teaches at University of Wisconsin-Madison, is often acerbic about her subjects but notes that they were “awash in patriotic fervor at the same time that they were distrustful and cynical.”

From The Wall Street Journal