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

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

However, "a lot of diplomats are a bit cynical about the hearings," Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

The film's approach is ultimately "taking the Michael", according to Empire's John Nugent, who said the biopic ultimately "feels very strongly like a cynical moneymaking machine".

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

As for the more negative folks, who can blame them for feeling cynical?

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Jaeden Martell and Asa Butterfield play two very different adolescents in Oscar Boyson’s timely, cynical and incisive feature debut.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The former boy wonder was now a seasoned and slightly cynical leader of the city he’d called home his entire life.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore