51³Ô¹Ï

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View synonyms for

cynical

[sin-i-kuhl]

adjective

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

    Antonyms:
  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:
  4. (initial capital letter)Ìýcynic.



cynical

/ ˈ²õɪ²Ôɪ°ìÉ™±ô /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51³Ô¹Ï 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
  • ˈ³¦²â²Ô¾±³¦²¹±ô²Ô±ð²õ²õ noun
  • ˈ³¦²â²Ô¾±³¦²¹±ô±ô²â adverb
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51³Ô¹Ï History and Origins

Origin of cynical1

First recorded in 1580–90; cynic + -al 1
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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.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Some believe it’s a cynical cash grab by the author’s heirs, some that it’s simply a troubling betrayal of privacy.

From

But while Newsom has no other choice to fight back, these past few days, he has risen to the occasion in a way that even the most cynical can't deny.

From

"This is another example of the cynical use by Hamas, using civilians as human shields, using civilian infrastructure, hospitals, again and again," he said.

From

Her tale of best friends — Mia, a romance novelist who is cynical about love and unable to write, and Gavin, who thinks he can help her get her mojo back — is a frisky delight.

From

It’s hard to be completely cynical about the world when you’re at Cannes and it’s sunny.

From

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