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

Hence Trump’s cynical strategy to slip him into position through a recess appointment, which would insulate him from a full background investigation and an excoriating examination by Democrats.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Harris says U.S. foreign policy should be based on strong alliances with other democracies, not cynical partnerships with tyrants like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping.

From Los Angeles Times

Judge Daniel Williams told the sentencing in Newport that Stringer's attempts to convince a jury of his innocence were "odious and cynical".

From BBC