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distrustful,doubting,mistrustful,mocking,pessimistic,scoffing,sneering,suspicious

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distrustful, trusting, optimistic, naive

contemptuous,derisive,disillusioned,sardonic,scornful,skeptical

cynical

adjective

/ˈsɪnɪk(ə)l/

IPA

Dictionary definition of cynical

Having a skeptical or mistrusting attitude towards people, society, or motives.
"The politician's promise was met with a cynical response from the audience."

Detailed meaning of cynical

It is a state of mind characterized by a distrust of human nature and motives, believing that people are primarily motivated by self-interest rather than altruism. Someone who is cynical tends to be skeptical, doubting, and often contemptuous of human motives, especially those of others. They tend to see the world as a harsh and unfair place, where people are motivated by their own self-interests.

In everyday language, cynical is often used to describe a person who has a skeptical or mistrusting attitude towards people, society, or motives. They tend to believe that people are motivated by self-interest rather than altruism and that the world is a harsh and unfair place.

In a professional context, cynical can refer to an attitude towards work or business, where a cynical employee or business person may be skeptical about the goals or intentions of their employer or colleagues, and may not be motivated by the same ideals.

In general, cynical refers to a skeptical or mistrusting attitude towards people, society, or motives. It is a state of mind characterized by a distrust of human nature and motives, believing that people are primarily motivated by self-interest rather than altruism. It implies a negative view on human nature and the world and can be used in different contexts such as personal, professional, or societal.

Example sentences of cynical

1. The employee was feeling cynical about the company's promise of a raise.
2. The news report was met with a cynical attitude from the public.
3. The student was cynical about the effectiveness of the new education policy.
4. The movie's portrayal of love was seen as cynical by some critics.
5. His cynical remark about the situation drew a lot of negative attention.
6. The employee's cynical attitude towards the new project caused delays.

History and etymology of cynical

The adjective 'cynical' traces its origins to the ancient Greek term 'kynikos,' which is derived from 'kynos,' meaning 'dog.' This connection might seem surprising at first glance. However, it becomes clearer when we delve into the philosophy of the Cynics, a school of thought in ancient Greece founded by Diogenes of Sinope. The Cynics were known for their rejection of conventional norms and their belief in living a simple and honest life, akin to a dog's unpretentious nature. Over time, the term 'cynical' evolved to describe a skeptical and mistrusting attitude towards people, society, or motives, reflecting the Cynics' critical and often blunt view of the world. The etymology of 'cynical' thus highlights the historical association with a philosophy that promoted skepticism and a straightforward, unfiltered perspective on human behavior and society.

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Further usage examples of cynical

1. The cynical journalist exposed the corruption within the government.
2. His cynical outlook on life made it hard for him to form close relationships.
3. The audience was cynical about the celebrity's apology for their actions.
4. The company's decision to lay off employees was met with a cynical response.
5. The cynical comedian's jokes often dealt with the darker side of life.
6. His cynical view of human nature colored his interactions with skepticism.
7. She wore a cynical facade, distrusting the motives of those around her.
8. A cynical attitude can lead to isolation and strained relationships.
9. Despite his cynical exterior, he harbored a secret yearning for trust.
10. Cynical people often struggle to see the underlying goodness in humanity.
11. Her cynical humor thinly veiled a deep-rooted mistrust of society.
12. The cynical politician's actions were met with widespread suspicion.
13. A cynical outlook can poison the well of genuine human connection.
14. Beneath his cynical exterior, he longed for authentic relationships.
15. Cynical laughter often concealed profound disillusionment with the world.
16. The cynical journalist scrutinized every story, doubting its veracity.
17. Cynical observations about society permeated his conversations.
18. It's challenging to break free from a deeply entrenched cynical mindset.
19. Cynical remarks had a way of souring even the most pleasant interactions.
20. A cynical worldview can distort one's perception of innate human goodness.
21. Cynical comments hinted at her underlying mistrust of authority.
22. He approached every opportunity with a cynical "what's the hidden agenda" stance.
23. Cynical individuals often miss out on the beauty of authentic connections.
24. Beneath the cynical exterior, she clung to a fragile trust in humanity.
25. Cynical skepticism, at its core, masked a yearning for sincerity and truth.