cynical

adjective

ˈsi-ni-kəl How to pronounce cynical (audio)
Definition of cynicalnext
as in pessimistic
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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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 Because movies like both Rise and this new one are what make discerning horror fanatics cynical and ruin a franchise’s good name. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2026 Seehorn received a nomination for lead actress in a drama series for her portrayal of cynical Carol Sturka, a fantasy romance author who finds herself in a mystifying situation after a virus seems to have wiped out most of Earth’s population. — Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 His willingness to move to Rio de Janeiro upon taking the job endeared him to the cynical public, as did his decision to call up Neymar to his squad to quieten the noise the forward’s potential exclusion would have brought with it. — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Against the run of play, the Atlas Lions won a free kick near the corner of the box after Luc De Fougerolles was booked for a cynical challenge. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cynical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical
  1. sarcastic
  2. pessimistic
  3. negative
  4. misanthropic
Adjective
  • The other sarcastic superhero-ed character that makes a few cameos in the film has their own connection to Spider-Man – again, centered on loneliness and eventually learning to open up from their own recent film.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • In the present, Lara meets Mari, a sarcastic and blunt high school tomboy who competes as a boxer.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 24 July 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • The findings reflect a deeply pessimistic economic mood as the country heads to the November midterm elections.
    — Emily Guskin, ABC News, 29 July 2026
  • Write-in responses to the survey, which were collected from July 1 to July 22, remained pessimistic.
    — Matt Ott, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Definition of pessimistic
Adjective
  • In June, 40 mayors around the world signed a pact to curtail the negative impact of the construction of AI data centers on the natural resources, energy prices or climate targets of cities from Phoenix to Melbourne.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • The $600,000-plus Luce was originally received with an overwhelmingly negative response by just about everyone, from casual fans of the brand to passionate enthusiasts—even former Ferrari executive Luca di Montezemolo slammed the EV.
    — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 30 July 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • The philosophy-minded writer, apart from being generally (and characteristically) misanthropic, was making a profound point.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • Wealthy, misanthropic and obsessive-compulsive, Melvin Udall, played by Jack Nicholson, develops an unlikely bond with Carol, a waitress portrayed by Helen Hunt.
    — Camille Perri, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Definition of misanthropic

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Cite this Entry

“Cynical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynical. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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