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

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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 Mufasa: The Lion King, from the Moonlight director, doesn’t transcend its cynical origins as a Disney product. —

Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024 Later, Hattie hugs a more cynical Turner, which enables him to forge a fraternal bond with Elwood, their friendship a turning point. —

Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024 The person who instructed the generative AI could be somewhat well-intentioned and thought that having a cynical or abrasive Santa would be catchy. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 Acutely self-aware but nevertheless unapologetic, Vasquez steers his surreal and cynical midnight treasure just to the point of mainstream acceptability here. —

Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cynical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical

Adjective

That seems cruelly ironic after Los Angeles organizers sold the Games as a no-build event.

CBS News, CBS News, 18 Jan. 2025
How ironic that our new state constitutional amendment, as well as current law before the amendment, would allow any woman or doctor to snuff out this life under the guise of reproductive freedom.

Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025