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.

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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

Better than “Kinds of Kindness” but not nearly the triumph of “Poor Things,” this is mid Yorgos Lanthimos — off-putting, punishing and misanthropic but also featuring another showcase for Emma Stone’s bold, creative energy.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

It is at once unnerving, misanthropic and bleak and, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, it’s produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground.

From New York Times • Dec. 6, 2023

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