Nearby Words
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, especially 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
an·ti·cyn·i·cal, adjective
an·ti·cyn·i·cal·ly, adverb
qua·si-cyn·i·cal, adjective
EXPANDqua·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
COLLAPSESynonyms
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. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Cynical
is an SAT word you need to know.
So is pious. Does it mean:
| having or showing a dutiful spirit of reverence for God or an earnest wish to fulfill religious obligations |
| haughty, disdainful, or supercilious, offhand or unceremonious |
Collins
World English Dictionary
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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Word Dynamo Rating For Cynical
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