Synonyms of cynical

cynical

adjective

ˈsi-ni-kəl 

as in ironical

having or showing a deep distrust of human beings and their motives

so cynical that he can't understand why anyone would volunteer to help out at a homeless shelter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ironical
• ironic
• sarcastic
• pessimistic
• negative
• misanthropic
• skeptical
• sardonic
• suspicious
• negativistic
• derisive
• fatalistic
• distrustful
• mocking
• mistrustful
• scornful
• defeatist
• jaded
• negativist
• worldly-wise
• unsentimental
• sophisticated
• hard-bitten
• hard-edged
• hard-boiled
• hardcase

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• optimistic
• positive
• cheerful
• naive
• trustful
• trusting
• naïve
• unsuspicious
• uncynical
• positivistic
• positivist
• unsophisticated
• ingenuous
• idealistic
• innocent
• romantic
• impractical
• sentimental
• saccharine
• sappy
• rose-colored
• mushy
• maudlin

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective cynical differ from other similar words?

The words misanthropic and pessimistic are common synonyms of cynical. While all three words mean "deeply distrustful," cynical implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity.

cynical about politicians' motives

When is misanthropic a more appropriate choice than cynical?

Although the words misanthropic and cynical have much in common, misanthropic suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society.

a solitary and misanthropic artist

In what contexts can pessimistic take the place of cynical?

In some situations, the words pessimistic and cynical are roughly equivalent. However, pessimistic implies having a gloomy, distrustful view of life.

pessimistic about the future

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cynical

She was inspired to name the album after the title track, a near-hymnal confrontation of the standard of beauty placed on her and finding self-love in a cynical world. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025

Or not even being blind — what’s more cynical is knowing that exists and continuing to punch down. —Maria Bamford, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025

Because, in fact, I am usually immediately swayed by whatever intellectual fashion is in the air, and a first draft of any essay is more often than not a cynical and dutiful rehashing of the argument du jour. —Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025

Now, some naysayers may argue that this administration's speech concerns are merely a cynical ploy. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025

Video

The History of 'Cynic'

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.