51Թ

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View synonyms for

cynical

[ sin-i-kuhl ]

adjective

  1. distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; like or characteristic of a cynic.

    Antonyms:

  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.

    Antonyms:

  4. (initial capital letter) cynic ( def 5 ).


cynical

/ ˈɪɪə /

adjective

  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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈԾԱ, noun
  • ˈԾ, adverb
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • i·· adverb
  • i··Ա noun
  • t·i· adjective
  • anti·i·· adverb
  • ܲȴ-i· adjective
  • quasi-i·· adverb
  • i·i· adjective
  • semi·i·· adverb
  • p·i· adjective
  • super·i·· adverb
  • super·i··Ա noun
  • ܲ·i· adjective
  • un·i·· adverb
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of cynical1

First recorded in 1580–90; cynic + -al 1
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Synonym Study

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.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The administration has chosen a cynical path: leveraging pandemic fatigue to erase programs that were finally beginning to undo decades of public health neglect.

From

When Matt first emailed BBC News he said: "I used to be very pro-dog but now am ultra cautious and cynical about dog owners. I hate seeing dogs off lead and owners excusing it."

From

I hope we are not too cynical to open that door.

From

But this attracted a cynical response from some commentators who pointed out that Musk has been promising this kind of thing for a long time.

From

In our cynical times, most people are familiar enough with doublespeak to understand that anything called a "freedom city" is likely to be the opposite.

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