Synonyms for

Cynical

Verb / ˈsɪnɪkʌl / Another word for cynical — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

doubtful or distrustful of the goodness or sincerity of human motives

Synonyms & similar words

misanthropical misanthropic skeptical distrustful pessimistic disbelieving disenchanted disillusioned doubting negative sarcastic sardonic scoffing scornful skeptical suspicious unbelieving untrusting wary world-weary contemptuous disparaging

Synonyms by register

Formal

skeptical pessimistic disillusioned misanthropic

Informal

jaded world-weary snarky sarcastic

Literary

miscreant scoffing sneering

Antonyms

optimistic idealistic hopeful trusting believing positive buoyant

Common collocations

  • cynical about
  • cynical remark
  • cynical attitude
  • cynical view
  • cynical person
  • cynical laughter
  • cynical observer

Word family

noun cynicism
adjective cynical
adverb cynically

Usage note

Often implies a belief that people are motivated purely by self-interest. Can sometimes be confused with skepticism, but cynicism is generally more negative and dismissive.

Example sentences

  1. He had a cynical view of marriage after his own divorce.
  2. Her cynical attitude made her hard to work with.
  3. The politician's promises were met with cynical laughter.
  4. She gave a cynical response to the suggestion.
  5. His cynical comments made everyone uncomfortable.

Quotes

  • 'A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing.' - Oscar Wilde
  • 'Cynicism is an unpleasant way of saying the truth.' - Lillian Hellman
  • 'Cynicism is intellectual dandyism without the coxcomb's feathers.' - George Meredith

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