cynic

noun

ˈsi-nik How to pronounce cynic (audio)
Definition of cynicnext
as in misanthrope
a person who distrusts other people and believes that everything is done for selfish reasons a cynic who believes that nobody does a good deed without expecting something in return

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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 cynic But weddings also bring out the cynics, and there are a lot of people who cannot be swayed by a wedding. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 16 July 2026 In the afterglow of the evening, even hardened cynics couldn't deny that being admired by millions is no substitute for being loved by one. — Bryan West, USA Today, 7 July 2026 The native New Yorker has won over cynics before, his peers tell Fortune. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026 Not everyone is happy about this apparently, as large portions of cynics and haters on social media are apparently ready to say auf wiedersehen to Freddy. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cynic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynic
  1. misanthrope
  2. critic
  3. pessimist
  4. naysayer
  5. skeptic
Noun
  • Still, this misanthrope takes somewhat of a liking to Fiona (Florence Ordesh), the woman who shows him to his room and tends the hotel bar.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The story follows a rag-tag group of misanthropes who attempt to rob jewels from the Vatican.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
Definition of misanthrope
Noun
  • Purges of officials -- including some viewed as his political rivals -- have been carried out on a scale that led critics to argue the campaign was also used to consolidate his power.
    — KANIS LEUNG, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Its inaugural recipient is Japanese film critic and international cinema advocate Sahoko Hata, whose career helped introduce landmark European films to Japanese audiences.
    — Gavin Blair, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of critic
Noun
  • Being the unintentional voice of political pessimism can make a person something of a pessimist.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • My favourite part of this exercise is seeing the distribution of optimists and pessimists.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of pessimist
Noun
  • When the naysayer challenged people to buy Nassih’s work, even offering to match a purchase, SZA decided to get involved — and give the artist some love in the process.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Democrats would be wise to ignore the naysayers and take the win.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of naysayer
Noun
  • The skeptic viewed this part of the revolution as a weak link.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Companies are also making pledges to reduce their impact on the environment and offering assurances that data centers will boost local property values — all while maintaining AI is a positive force for the American economy, despite its skeptics.
    — Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of skeptic

Browse Nearby Words

cylindrical
cynic
cynical
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Cite this Entry

“Cynic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynic. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cynic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cynic

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