as in ironical
having or showing a deep distrust of human beings and their motives
so cynical that he can't understand why anyone would volunteer to help out at a homeless shelter
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cynical
Since the country’s inception, Americans have been suspicious of authority and cynical about politicians, Citrin said.
—
William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 12 Mar. 2025
The most cynical take is that the studios were never all that serious about diversity, equity and inclusion to begin with, even amid the fervent calls for racial justice that broke out in 2020 with protests sweeping the U.S.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
This has reflected neither sappy altruism nor cynical neoimperialism but an understanding that in the modern world, economics and security need to be handled at something beyond the national level.
—Gideon Rose, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2025
Some who do have a cynical view — asking what good was it for people to risk that bridge crossing for Black freedom when young Black people are killing one another in Selma today?
—Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynical
William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 12 Mar. 2025
The most cynical take is that the studios were never all that serious about diversity, equity and inclusion to begin with, even amid the fervent calls for racial justice that broke out in 2020 with protests sweeping the U.S.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025
This has reflected neither sappy altruism nor cynical neoimperialism but an understanding that in the modern world, economics and security need to be handled at something beyond the national level.
—Gideon Rose, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2025
Some who do have a cynical view — asking what good was it for people to risk that bridge crossing for Black freedom when young Black people are killing one another in Selma today?
—Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical
Adjective
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Roger Craig Smith has a fear of being on a ledge, which is ironic considering he’s renowned for featuring in Assassin’s Creed, a gaming franchise that makes players climb around on very high rooftops.—
Joshua Lamb,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
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Brighton repeatedly exploited City’s weakness defending these situations — ironic for a team who built their success on scoring from such moves.—
Andy Naylor,
The Athletic,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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These behaviors may include: Making sarcastic or pointed remarks.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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His character is written as sharp-minded, witty, and sarcastic, according to the filmmakers.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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If only for the notion that historically pessimistic Mets fans have Soto’s mega contract numbers stuck in their brain.—
Bob Raissman,
New York Daily News,
15 Mar. 2025
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David Wessel, a senior fellow in economic studies at Brookings, is less pessimistic.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In the realm of finance, this means that positive emotions encourage strategic long-term financial planning, while negative emotions push individuals toward short-term, reactionary spending habits.—
Shane Enete,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
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Among all adults, about 4 in 10 had a negative view of Ocasio-Cortez while about 3 in 10 had a positive view.—
Jonathan J. Cooper and Nicholas Riccardi,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But, then, genuine misanthropic disdain is part of Verhoeven's tool kit.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
7 Mar. 2025
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Very quickly the ironic, misanthropic tone is established, as is the chemistry among the cast.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA TODAY,
12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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On the surface, the creamy tomato dish with citrusy greens has all the makings of a dinner that seems too good to be true—minimal prep, a handful of ingredients, and only one pot to clean up afterward—so naturally lots of folks are skeptical.—
Audrey Bruno,
SELF,
19 Mar. 2025
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Still, learning to think like a historian does not necessarily prepare someone to be a skeptical news consumer.—
Lightning Jay,
The Conversation,
19 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
“Cynical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynical. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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