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.
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Link To cynical
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Cynical
is an SAT word you need to know.
So is allegory. Does it mean:
| the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt. |
| story in which characters and actions are symbols for ideas |
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
The cynical, irritated me feels she knows the answer to these questions.
Modern fiction is so often edgy and cynical, or it ends on a heavy, unresolved note.
But from time to time he uttered cynical maxims about academic work and life that have turned out to be accurate.
It is easy to make cynical arguments about academia, and they all contain a grain of truth.
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