Related Searches
on Ask.com
Synonyms
Nearby Entries
cynical - 3 dictionary results
cyn⋅i⋅cal
[sin-i-kuh
l] 
–adjective
| 1. | like or characteristic of a cynic; distrusting or disparaging the motives of others. |
| 2. | showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one's actions, esp. by actions that exploit the scruples of others. |
| 3. | bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic. |
| 4. | (initial capital letter) cynic (def. 5). |
Related forms:
cyn⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
cyn⋅i⋅cal⋅ness, noun
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.
cyn⋅ic
[sin-ik] –noun
| 1. | a person who believes that only selfishness motivates human actions and who disbelieves in or minimizes selfless acts or disinterested points of view. |
| 2. | (initial capital letter) one of a sect of Greek philosophers, 4th century b.c., who advocated the doctrines that virtue is the only good, that the essence of virtue is self-control, and that surrender to any external influence is beneath human dignity. |
| 3. | a person who shows or expresses a bitterly or sneeringly cynical attitude. |
–adjective
| 4. | cynical. |
| 5. | (initial capital letter) Also, Cynical. of or pertaining to the Cynics or their doctrines. |
| 6. | Medicine/Medical Now Rare. resembling the actions of a snarling dog. |
Origin:
1540–50; < L Cynicus < Gk Kynikós Cynic, lit., doglike, currish, equiv. to kyn- (s. of kýōn) dog + -ikos - ic
1540–50; < L Cynicus < Gk Kynikós Cynic, lit., doglike, currish, equiv. to kyn- (s. of kýōn) dog + -ikos - ic
Synonyms:
1, 3. skeptic, pessimist, misanthrope.
1, 3. skeptic, pessimist, misanthrope.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source
|
Link To cynical
| cyn·i·cal (sĭn'ĭ-kəl) adj.
|
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
>
