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 Foreign policy Advertisement Harris says U.S. foreign policy should be based on strong alliances with other democracies, not cynical partnerships with tyrants like Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping. —

Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 Researchers presented readers with stories of a highly cynical person and someone who was more trusting, then asked them to guess who would perform better at a series of tasks. —

Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 This theme Reddy said is more optimistic than cynical despite complicated conversations about colonialism and capitalism. —

Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2024 Now, there’s the kind of cynical viewpoint that this is because so many traditional forms of peacebuilding appear to be failing at the moment. —

Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cynical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical

Adjective

Eventually, Stewart managed to rebuild herself as a sort of ironic celebrity.

Constance Grady, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Which is ironic since the drama is based on a novel by Kong Ji-Young and Hitonari Tsuji.

Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024