misanthropic

American  

[mis-uhn-throp-ik, miz-] / ˌmɪs ənˈθrɒp ɪk, ˌmɪz- /

Also misanthropical

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a misanthrope.

   Synonyms:

   surly, morose, unfriendly, antisocial

2. characterized by misanthropy.

---

Other Word Forms

• misanthropically adverb
• unmisanthropic adjective
• unmisanthropical adjective
• unmisanthropically adverb

Etymology

Origin of misanthropic

First recorded in 1755–65; misanthrope + -ic

Example Sentences

Her 2012 satirical novel, Where’d You Go, Bernadette, about a misanthropic mother who goes missing, sat on bestseller lists for nearly a year and inspired a movie.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

I was just talking to an actor friend and we both realized that we were drawn, at nine and 10 years old, to these almost dour, misanthropic, middle-aged characters.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

But Jean-Baptiste was so skilled at showing us the pain behind her misanthropic character’s brittle exterior, I thought she was undeniable.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2025

To everyone else, however, he seems to be so weighed down with resentment it's turned him misanthropic and, well, weird.

From Salon • Sep. 5, 2024

There was more left to explore, but suddenly it seemed like a waste of time; it was impossible that anyone could still be living here, even the most misanthropic recluse.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs