as in misanthrope
a person who distrusts other people and believes that everything is done for selfish reasons
a cynic who believes that nobody does a good deed without expecting something in return
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cynic
Thus, the Rock Hall is surely more excited at the prospect of inducting current megastars like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga than appeasing its cynics.
—
Troy Smith, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025
Other cynics tend to follow suit, sitting out elections and social movements more often than non-cynics.
—Jamil Zaki, TIME, 3 Sep. 2024
In the verses, Bradley Cooper and Gaga’s lyrics and vocal lines are mirrored — two world-weary cynics serenading each other.
—Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
Into this void emerge the cynics and the snake-oil merchants, the dreamers, the circumventers, the guileful peddlers of One Weird Tricks.
—Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cynic
Troy Smith, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025
Other cynics tend to follow suit, sitting out elections and social movements more often than non-cynics.
—Jamil Zaki, TIME, 3 Sep. 2024
In the verses, Bradley Cooper and Gaga’s lyrics and vocal lines are mirrored — two world-weary cynics serenading each other.
—Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
Into this void emerge the cynics and the snake-oil merchants, the dreamers, the circumventers, the guileful peddlers of One Weird Tricks.
—Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cynic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynic
Noun
-
In the face of international law enforcement pressure, dozens of prosecutions, and worldwide disrepute, the network of young sadists, misanthropes, child predators, and extortionists known as Com and 764 has not shrunk away into obscurity.—
Ali Winston,
WIRED,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Among the roster of holidaymakers is Rick, a greasy misanthrope played by Walton Goggins, and his significantly younger girlfriend, Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), a fun, flirty babe whose perpetual good mood is at complete odds with her partner.—
Olivia Petter,
Vogue,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Democrats and other critics of Trump have suggested a constitutional crisis is looming as Trump clashes with lawmakers over spending and judges over rulings.—
Bart Jansen,
USA TODAY,
18 Mar. 2025
-
During the ’70s, critics and artists were divided on the merits of his art.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In his life, there is one thread that binds all chapters: Thor’s electrifying positivity that vexes all pessimists and his inherent ability to connect with others.—
Tyler Shepherd,
USA TODAY,
13 Mar. 2025
-
This will be used as a proof point by both venture capital optimists and pessimists, as industry sentiment gets increasingly bifurcated.—
Dan Primack,
Axios,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
To an already leery viewer, Meghan lacking the openness and vulnerability that would allow a naysayer to connect with and change their opinion of her doesn’t help.—
Brande Victorian,
The Hollywood Reporter,
5 Mar. 2025
-
Though the response to Victoria’s TikTok was largely positive, with commenters wishing her luck and denouncing the firings, there were naysayers.—
Fortesa Latifi,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Since then, both theories have been tested, revised and improved, standing the test of time and winning over skeptics in the scientific community.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
10 Mar. 2025
-
That’s a point that should be able to unite the most diehard alien truthers and the skeptics who are sick of hearing about this.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
9 Mar. 2025
Video
The History of 'Cynic'
How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.
Cite this Entry
“Cynic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynic. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share