as in misanthrope
a person who distrusts other people and believes that everything is done for selfish reasons
a cynic who believes that nobody does a good deed without expecting something in return
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cynic
Thus, the Rock Hall is surely more excited at the prospect of inducting current megastars like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga than appeasing its cynics.
—
Troy Smith, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025
Other cynics tend to follow suit, sitting out elections and social movements more often than non-cynics.
—Jamil Zaki, TIME, 3 Sep. 2024
In the verses, Bradley Cooper and Gaga’s lyrics and vocal lines are mirrored — two world-weary cynics serenading each other.
—Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
Into this void emerge the cynics and the snake-oil merchants, the dreamers, the circumventers, the guileful peddlers of One Weird Tricks.
—Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cynic
Troy Smith, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025
Other cynics tend to follow suit, sitting out elections and social movements more often than non-cynics.
—Jamil Zaki, TIME, 3 Sep. 2024
In the verses, Bradley Cooper and Gaga’s lyrics and vocal lines are mirrored — two world-weary cynics serenading each other.
—Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024
Into this void emerge the cynics and the snake-oil merchants, the dreamers, the circumventers, the guileful peddlers of One Weird Tricks.
—Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 16 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for cynic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynic
Noun
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In the face of international law enforcement pressure, dozens of prosecutions, and worldwide disrepute, the network of young sadists, misanthropes, child predators, and extortionists known as Com and 764 has not shrunk away into obscurity.—
Ali Winston,
WIRED,
12 Mar. 2025
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Among the roster of holidaymakers is Rick, a greasy misanthrope played by Walton Goggins, and his significantly younger girlfriend, Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), a fun, flirty babe whose perpetual good mood is at complete odds with her partner.—
Olivia Petter,
Vogue,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Companies' reputations were damaged without proof, critics claimed, since the CFPB doesn't verify complaints.—
Ashley Belanger,
Ars Technica,
6 Mar. 2025
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Never mind that critics had never gone mad for the show.—
Marley Marius,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Studies show that optimists, compared to pessimists, have lower stress levels, move faster up the career ladder, have fewer health complaints and live longer.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
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Optimists are also less likely to experience chronic diseases, depression, and other mental illnesses compared to pessimists.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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To an already leery viewer, Meghan lacking the openness and vulnerability that would allow a naysayer to connect with and change their opinion of her doesn’t help.—
Brande Victorian,
The Hollywood Reporter,
5 Mar. 2025
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Though the response to Victoria’s TikTok was largely positive, with commenters wishing her luck and denouncing the firings, there were naysayers.—
Fortesa Latifi,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Some skeptics worry that, despite high-profile attendance and dialogue, the practical impact might be limited without immediate legislative follow-up.—
Sandy Carter,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
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And yet, the chorus of PGT-A skeptics is getting louder.—
Jamie Ducharme,
TIME,
6 Mar. 2025
Video
The History of 'Cynic'
How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.
Cite this Entry
“Cynic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynic. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
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