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 ( def 5 ).

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

Derived Forms

• ˈcynicalness, noun
• ˈcynically, adverb

Other Words From

• cyni·cal·ly adverb
• cyni·cal·ness noun
• anti·cyni·cal adjective
• anti·cyni·cal·ly adverb
• quasi-cyni·cal adjective
• quasi-cyni·cal·ly adverb
• semi·cyni·cal adjective
• semi·cyni·cal·ly adverb
• super·cyni·cal adjective
• super·cyni·cal·ly adverb
• super·cyni·cal·ness noun
• un·cyni·cal adjective
• un·cyni·cal·ly 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

And in truth, the judge’s abrupt pivot on this issue, while shameless and cynical, is tactically wise.

From Slate

I don’t know how I could have been that cynical at 22 but I had already experienced a year or two of empty promises and the bull— that is this business.

From Los Angeles Times

The poll reflects a cynical mood among the American constituency.

From Salon

I worry that they don’t understand that there really are Americans who are not as cynical as they are, and that one of the facts they don’t understand is that many of us actually do care about the rule of law.

From Slate

I think they’re separate from the world to such a degree that they’re cynical to the point where they have become naive.

From Slate