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 The acclaimed writer Rachel Cusk’s controversial new novel Life of M is an intimate, unvarnished character study of an A-list movie star who is depicted as hollow, immature and cynical, an intellectual poseur and an artist wannabe. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 Gosling stars in Starfighter, playing Kade Auberon, a cynical pilot whose life takes a sharp turn when he is pulled into a high-stakes mission to protect a young boy, played by Flynn Gray, from dangerous pursuers. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 This year, Rick and Morty — a comedy chronicling the dimension-hopping misadventures of a cynical genius scientist and his anxious teenage grandson — scored its fifth Emmy nomination for Outstanding Animated Program. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 Unauthorized sequels reveal the extremes of why people make movies in the first place, from purely cynical money grabs to pure — even naive — devotion to characters and their world. — Katie Rife, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cynical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical
  1. sarcastic
  2. pessimistic
  3. negative
  4. misanthropic
Adjective
  • Roberts corrected himself after an impressive dive from Komander, who received a loud, sarcastic pop.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The department’s post drew skeptical and sarcastic reactions from commenters who wondered whether the missing $30 called for a public search.
    — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • Eloy Alfaro de Alba, Panama’s representative, sounded a pessimistic note.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
  • But multiple polls this month have shown Americans feel pessimistic about the war and their economic troubles.
    — Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of pessimistic
Adjective
  • And as the backlash to generative AI continues to grow, especially in creative fields, those attempts are bringing in far more negative than positive attention.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
  • At least twice each fiscal year, school boards review updated financial projections and classify their districts’ fiscal health as positive, qualified or negative, after which county superintendents review each certification and may downgrade it.
    — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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