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

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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

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 Even the internet’s collective fixation on Taylor Swift’s wedding has felt more communal than cynical. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 July 2026 Kara Zor-El, the cynical, surly protagonist of the new Supergirl movie, has a very different attitude than her goody two-shoes cousin, Clark Kent. — James Grebey, Time, 26 June 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 The next series on this list represents cynical American politics, but NBC's sweet sitcom is the definition of hopeful, cooperative political experience. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cynical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical
  1. sarcastic
  2. pessimistic
  3. negative
  4. misanthropic
Adjective
  • This is taken as evidence of his status, not a sarcastic criticism.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • On Monday night, Contreras was ejected in the second inning after a check-swing strikeout prompted him to give a sarcastic ABS challenge gesture at the umpire, earning an instant boot.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • The survey is an indicator of companies foreseeing good conditions minus those feeling pessimistic.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • Recent polls show majority of voters are pessimistic about the economy and a lasting peace deal with Iran.
    — Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Definition of pessimistic
Adjective
  • The powder, sourced from California Dairies and supplied by a third party, tested negative for salmonella before the company used it in the chips.
    — Sarah Jacoby, NBC news, 2 July 2026
  • Apple, for instance, dropped 5% on April 8, its fourth-straight negative day.
    — Alex Harring,Luke Fountain, CNBC, 2 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cynical

Nglish: Translation of cynical for Spanish Speakers

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