CYNICAL Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'cynical' differ from other similar words?

The words misanthropic and pessimistic are common synonyms of cynical . While all three words mean "deeply distrustful," cynical implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity. // cynical about politicians' motives

Q: When is 'misanthropic' a more appropriate choice than 'cynical'?

Although the words misanthropic and cynical have much in common, misanthropic suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society. // a solitary and misanthropic artist

Q: In what contexts can 'pessimistic' take the place of 'cynical'?

In some situations, the words pessimistic and cynical are roughly equivalent. However, pessimistic implies having a gloomy, distrustful view of life. // pessimistic about the future

cynical

adjective

ˈsi-ni-kəl

Definition of cynical next

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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How does the adjective cynical differ from other similar words?

The words misanthropic and pessimistic are common synonyms of cynical. While all three words mean "deeply distrustful," cynical implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity.

cynical about politicians' motives

When is misanthropic a more appropriate choice than cynical?

Although the words misanthropic and cynical have much in common, misanthropic suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society.

a solitary and misanthropic artist

In what contexts can pessimistic take the place of cynical?

In some situations, the words pessimistic and cynical are roughly equivalent. However, pessimistic implies having a gloomy, distrustful view of life.

pessimistic about the future

Examples 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 cynical And that could lead to myriad other cynical tie-ins to those toy giants’ own upcoming franchise movie plans. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2024 Grotesque inequalities of income, wealth, opportunity, and power have caused most Americans to feel angry, surly, cynical, and ready to take a wrecking ball to the whole system. —

Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 26 Nov. 2024 Despite Democrats framing this election as a battle over the fate of democracy, their refusal to give any ground to pro-lifers revealed the whole message as a cynical scam. —

Paul MacRae, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024 In their walk through the wilderness, Democrats will need to consider how to build a broader coalition that can defeat the cynical populism of Trump and his successors. —

Jamil Zaki, TIME, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cynical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical

Adjective

Somehow both brothers end up at the test and, in an ironic twist, Tomás gets the job.

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024
But the term is also often used as an ironic self-descriptor.

Evelyn Bauer, Them, 5 Dec. 2024