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 In the tradition of Warhol’s Factory, the outsourcing became the provocation itself—the era’s most cynical embodiment of art-as-commodity. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 The administration’s hostility to the principle and mechanisms of international legal accountability makes eminent if cynical sense in light of its many transgressions. — Anjali Dayal, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 The disingenuous campaign ads, the obscene amount of money that is spent to air them and the promises that are rarely fulfilled are enough to make one cynical. — Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026 Swarup’s book exposes the cynical nature of the quiz show, dangling a literal lifeline to desperate people for the sake of entertainment. — L.m. Chilton, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cynical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical
  1. sarcastic
  2. pessimistic
  3. negative
  4. misanthropic
Adjective
  • The interest has been driven largely by the brand's casual, sarcastic tone and active participation in online trends.
    — Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Before the constant stream of sarcastic Ultron commentary wears out its welcome around the series’ halfway point, the bad guy’s brevity is a nice counterpoint to all of the sentient ennui.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • With the ongoing Iran war affecting gas prices and other costs staying elevated, Americans overall are deeply pessimistic about the state of the economy and see it as a high priority for the midterms.
    — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Nearly two-thirds of students polled are pessimistic about the job market, a CNBC and SurveyMonkey Quarterly AI and Jobs Survey from May found.
    — Jessica Dickler,Annie Nova, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of pessimistic
Adjective
  • To that end, Musk’s average favorability rating — net negative 16 percentage points as of Wednesday, according to Decision Desk HQ — has additionally improved, although only slightly, since July 2025 when his favorability was at its nadir.
    — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The beats create ample negative space for Holden to employ riskier flows, often deploying a double-time pace to burn through technically dense passages.
    — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of negative
Adjective
  • Another resident within Vision’s head is Ultron (James Spader), the misanthropic genocidal AI originally created by Stark and Bruce Banner to help save humanity.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Known for creating everyone’s favorite psychopath Tom Ripley, Highsmith – played by Helen Mirren – became a controversial figure because of her antisemitic and misanthropic statements.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 2 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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