cynical
Use Cynical in a sentence
ɪ adjective
1.
distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; like or characteristic of a cynic.
2.
showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one's actions, especially by actions that exploit the scruples of others.
3.
bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic.
4.
Related forms
cyn·i·cal·ly, adverb
cyn·i·cal·ness, noun
an·ti·cyn·i·cal, adjective
an·ti·cyn·i·cal·ly, adverb
qua·si-cyn·i·cal, adjective
qua·si-cyn·i·cal·ly, adverb
sem·i·cyn·i·cal, adjective
sem·i·cyn·i·cal·ly, adverb
su·per·cyn·i·cal, adjective
su·per·cyn·i·cal·ly, adverb
su·per·cyn·i·cal·ness, noun
un·cyn·i·cal, adjective
un·cyn·i·cal·ly, adverb
Synonyms
1, 3. Cynical, pessimistic, sarcastic, satirical imply holding a low opinion of humanity. Cynical suggests a disbelief in the sincerity of human motives: cynical about honesty. Pessimistic implies a more or less habitual disposition to look on the dark side of things, and to believe that the worst will happen: pessimistic as to the future. Sarcastic refers to sneering or making cutting jibes: sarcastic about a profession of faith. Satirical suggests expressing scorn or ridicule by saying the opposite of what one means: a satirical attack on his political promises.
1, 3. Cynical, pessimistic, sarcastic, satirical imply holding a low opinion of humanity. Cynical suggests a disbelief in the sincerity of human motives: cynical about honesty. Pessimistic implies a more or less habitual disposition to look on the dark side of things, and to believe that the worst will happen: pessimistic as to the future. Sarcastic refers to sneering or making cutting jibes: sarcastic about a profession of faith. Satirical suggests expressing scorn or ridicule by saying the opposite of what one means: a satirical attack on his political promises.
Antonyms
1, 3. optimistic.
1, 3. optimistic.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To cynical
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Cynical
is an SAT word you need to know.
So is detrimental. Does it mean:
| concerned with relatively minor, irrelevant, or superficial aspects of the subject in question. |
| causing damaging, being harmful |
Collins
World English Dictionary
cynical (ˈsɪnɪkəl) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —adj | |
| 1. | distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp that all acts are selfish |
| 2. | sarcastic; mocking |
| 3. | showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp of honesty or morality: the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way |
| 'cynically | |
| —adv | |
| 'cynicalness | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Such a cynical and decadent philosophy could not go unchallenged.
Cynical politicians promise their fellow caste members more jobs and university places.
It's ignorance combined with cynical politics and irrelevance.
The cynical explanation for the persistence of the supply-side dogma is that it's simply cover for cutting taxes for the rich.
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