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.

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

Other Word Forms

• cynicalness noun
• cynically adverb
• anticynical adjective
• anticynically adverb
• quasi-cynical adjective
• quasi-cynically adverb
• semicynical adjective
• semicynically adverb
• supercynical adjective
• supercynically adverb
• supercynicalness noun
• uncynical adjective
• uncynically 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

On the flip side, O’Brien’s Roman may not possess the sharpness of “the brightest tool in the shed” as he erroneously says, but his disarmingly endearing lack of malice enthralls the more cynical Dennis.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s easy to be cynical about hard-core fandom, especially the more parasocial folds.

From Salon

Was scheduling cannon fodder such as Missouri State a necessary step to reach the College Football Playoff or a cynical effort to conceal USC’s mediocrity?

From Los Angeles Times

Wilson says she used to be cynical about what love felt like, but that changed when she met her now partner.

From BBC

Twenty years later, we as viewers are much more cynical about reality TV because we know how much of it is — Not real.

From Los Angeles Times