cynical

[sin-i-kuh l] /ˈsɪn ɪ kəl/

adjective

distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; like or characteristic of a cynic.

showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one's actions, especially by actions that exploit the scruples of others.

bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.

(initial capital letter) cynic (def 5).

Origin

1580-90; cynic + -al¹

Related forms

cynically, adverb

cynicalness, noun

anticynical, adjective

anticynically, adverb

quasi-cynical, adjective

quasi-cynically, adverb

semicynical, adjective

semicynically, adverb

supercynical, adjective

supercynically, adverb

supercynicalness, noun

uncynical, adjective

uncynically, adverb

Synonyms

1, 3. 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.

Antonyms

1, 3. optimistic.

Spanish Words for cynical

cinismo

Hear It

masculine noun
1.

cinismo

More Spanish Definitions

Examples from the web for cynical

It is a voice that more cynical or exhausted ages find annoying.
The quote is commonly recited for its wry pragmatism and seeming cynical irreverence.
Such a cynical and decadent philosophy could not go unchallenged.
Right now it would be cynical to call them off because they are variable.
If anything, it makes people more cynical of the efforts of those in research medicine to actually improve the lives of patients.
Thanks for taking the time to write this and respond to each of the cynical idiots in this article.
The cynical, irritated me feels she knows the answer to these questions.
It would be easy to dismiss that idea as a cynical marketing ploy.
Most specifically, share their cynical and realistic observations with the world.
They may not even carry out the coup out of cynical motives.

British Dictionary definitions for cynical

cynical

/ˈsɪnɪkəl/

adjective

distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp that all acts are selfish

sarcastic; mocking

showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp of honesty or morality: the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way

Derived Forms

cynically, adverb
cynicalness, noun

Word Origin and History for cynical

adj.

1580s, "resembling Cynic philosophers," from cynic + -al (1). By late 17c. the meaning had shaded into the general one of "critical, disparaging the motives of others, captious, sneering, peevish." Related: Cynically.