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
  • 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
  • Our second president, John Adams, was said to have had a sarcastic demeanor and made biting remarks about his contemporaries.
    — John Blumenthal, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of sarcastic
Adjective
  • Barcelona are pessimistic about their chances of landing Julian Alvarez.
    — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Some have made videos inspired by 2010s memes, others have celebrated the return of a platform that hearkens back to a time when many felt less pessimistic about the role of social media in their lives.
    — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of pessimistic
Adjective
  • Arjun Bhatia, an analyst at William Blair who recommends buying Salesforce shares, said investors who turned negative on cloud software companies or eliminated their exposure altogether due to AI concerns, are starting to come back.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Much like Big Tobacco was forced to admit that cigarettes can cause cancer or Purdue Pharma was forced to stop downplaying the risks of OxyContin, this agreement now puts Meta’s core products in a negative light.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Aug. 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 Sep. 2026.

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