cynical
[ sin-i-kuhl ]
/ 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).
synonym study for cynical
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.
OTHER WORDS FROM cynical
Words nearby cynical
cynanche,
cynewulf,
cynghanedd,
cynic,
cynic spasm,
cynical,
cynicism,
cyno-,
cynocephaly,
cynodont,
cynophobia
Example sentences from the Web for cynical
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