cynical
SIH-nih-kuhl
Cynical (adj) means Distrustful of people's sincerity, believing that self-interest is the real motive behind most actions. Example: “She grew cynical about politics after years of broken promises.”
adj
1
Distrustful of people's sincerity, believing that self-interest is the real motive behind most actions.
"She grew cynical about politics after years of broken promises."
"It was a cynical marketing ploy dressed up as a charity campaign."
"Don't be so cynical, because some people really do help without wanting anything back."
How to use cynical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoubting that people or actions are genuinely good, and assuming self-interest instead.
Common pairings
cynical view
cynical about
grow cynical
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more cynical
- Superlative
- most cynical
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She grew _____ about politics after years of broken promises.
Etymology
From Latin cynicus, itself from Ancient Greek kunikos ("doglike"), the same root as the ancient philosophical school the Cynics.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for cynical
See all rhymes for cynical →Frequently asked questions
What does “cynical” mean?
The word “cynical” means distrustful of people's sincerity, believing that self-interest is the real motive behind most actions. In plain terms, doubting that people or actions are genuinely good, and assuming self-interest instead.
How do you pronounce “cynical”?
“Cynical” is pronounced SIH-nih-kuhl (/ˈsɪnɪkəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “cynical” in a sentence?
Here is “cynical” used in a sentence: “She grew cynical about politics after years of broken promises.”
What part of speech is “cynical”?
“Cynical” is an adjective.
Where does the word “cynical” come from?
The word “cynical” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin cynicus, itself from Ancient Greek kunikos ("doglike"), the same root as the ancient philosophical school the Cynics.
Is “cynical” a common word?
“Cynical” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between cynical and skeptical?
Skeptical simply means doubting a specific claim until evidence supports it, while cynical implies a broader distrust of people's sincerity, assuming self-interest motivates most actions. A skeptical person questions particular statements; a cynical person questions people's underlying motives in general.
Is cynical always a negative trait?
Cynical is usually seen as a negative or guarded trait, since it implies distrust of others' sincerity and an assumption that self-interest drives behavior. However, some people use it more neutrally to describe a realistic, unsentimental outlook shaped by experience.
How is cynical different from pessimistic?
Pessimistic refers to expecting bad outcomes in general, while cynical specifically involves distrusting people's motives and sincerity. Someone can be pessimistic about the weather without being cynical, since cynicism is centered on human behavior and intentions.
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