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

I wonder if any of this was cynical.

From The Wall Street Journal

Like the character in his earlier spy novels, there is little glamour in the life of the jaded and cynical Samson, who has a healthy disregard for his bosses.

From BBC

“What I’m suggesting is hard. It’s a lot easier to be cynical.”

From The Wall Street Journal

There were also plenty who were more cynical about patients' motives, saying they were "not genuine" or accused patients of "milking the system".

From BBC

“While he was a very serious, earnest activist, he also had such an acute sense of cynical humor that is so fantastic and was capable of scathing satire,” her brother Devin added.

From Los Angeles Times