cynic

noun

ˈsi-nik How to pronounce cynic (audio)
Definition of cynicnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cynic But weddings also bring out the cynics, and there are a lot of people who cannot be swayed by a wedding. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 16 July 2026 In the afterglow of the evening, even hardened cynics couldn't deny that being admired by millions is no substitute for being loved by one. — Bryan West, USA Today, 7 July 2026 The native New Yorker has won over cynics before, his peers tell Fortune. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026 Not everyone is happy about this apparently, as large portions of cynics and haters on social media are apparently ready to say auf wiedersehen to Freddy. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cynic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynic
  1. misanthrope
  2. critic
  3. pessimist
  4. naysayer
  5. skeptic
Noun
  • Still, this misanthrope takes somewhat of a liking to Fiona (Florence Ordesh), the woman who shows him to his room and tends the hotel bar.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The story follows a rag-tag group of misanthropes who attempt to rob jewels from the Vatican.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
Definition of misanthrope
Noun
  • Proponents argue this reveals the AI's full capabilities, including potential for cyberattacks, while critics warn of severe risks like AI wreaking havoc, creating viruses, or tricking humans.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The series received a lukewarm reception from critics and earned middling ratings upon its release, in August, 2005.
    — Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of critic
Noun
  • But even a pessimist then wouldn’t have predicted a plummet in production to this extent two years later.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Though the pessimists should be considered carefully, the latest Nobel laureates—awarded their prizes for their on work long-term growth—are optimistic.
    — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of pessimist
Noun
  • Still, White believes there’s a way to let naysayers know how the Hornets can be a good team in a tough conference.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026
  • For Season 3, Saldaña, 48, took her physical preparation to new levels, in part to silence any naysayers.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of naysayer
Noun
  • His family did not allow skeptics to deter him from pursuing his dream.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Several clients believe the rally has gone too far, while prominent skeptics continue to warn that enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence has become excessive.
    — Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of skeptic

Browse Nearby Words

cylindrical
cynic
cynical
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Cite this Entry

“Cynic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynic. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cynic

Nglish: Translation of cynic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cynic

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