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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 cynical As with Joe Biden and Barack Obama before him — and, indeed, as in his first term — Trump’s flurry of orders is the product of a legislative branch that has been content to leave the spadework to the president, and to a presidency that has begun to take cynical advantage of that trend. —

The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025 The cynical reactions only proved that these two young men, who have made millions as bro influencers with brand empires before age 30, are still adept at courting attention. —

Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2025 After all, dance pop’s supposedly liberating power has often been hijacked over the years for cynical ends, such as Target commercials and Katy Perry albums. —

Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2025 Still, when the third act finally arrives, Russell deserves credit for making the audacious decision to deny his characters their comeuppance and instead end the film on a cynical note. —

Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cynical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical

Adjective

On paper, Bridget can be compellingly hard to pin down, inconstant and ironic, messily self-aware, undeniably human.

— Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025
Trump’s decision to negotiate with Maduro, sidestepping Venezuela’s opposition, is equally ironic.

— Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025