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

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 cynical While some provide a more immersive experience than the original, others clearly lack any substantial improvements and are mostly content to be cynical cash grabs. George Yang, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025 The stakes are relatively low, and the childhood wonder may not work for more cynical adult viewers, but Skeleton Crew is a solid example of Star Wars' unlimited potential to tell all kinds of stories without having to relate everything back to the Skywalker Saga. Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for cynical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical
Adjective
  • Ultimately, Weitzman says, while some people view the humor through an ironic or detached lens, the movie is made with an honesty that isn’t always depicted in comedy.
    William Earl, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
  • But his comments are, at the very least, rather ironic.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Following the mother-daughter duo of Lorelai Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham, and Rory, played by Alexis Bledel, Gilmore Girls was perfectly made for millennials, packed with wistful romances, frustrating dramatic turns and just enough sarcastic jokes.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Viewers on Reddit were amused by the extortionate price shown for the vacation deal in the recent post, with several sharing their sarcastic takes on it.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Michael Futter Founder, F-Squared But not all analysts are pessimistic.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Looking ahead, Gallup is pessimistic about a recovery.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The inflation hammering households is primarily due to the weak yen that the Abe government orchestrated with negative interest rates and massive monetary easing, causing a surge in energy and food prices that pinches voters’ wallets.
    Jeff Kingston, Time, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The website, though, shows a negative subtotal of more than $2 million, suggesting money allocated to the grant that was unspent.
    Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With the brutal murderer targeting his police colleagues, Thomas makes a desperate gamble, turning to a once well-regarded but now out of favour, misanthropic ex-detective for help.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Wood starred as hopeless romantic Chelsea, who was on vacation with her older, misanthropic boyfriend Rick (Walton Goggins).
    EW.com, EW.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Burnett urged those who received the calls to stay skeptical of anyone claiming to be a deputy and to not engage in conversation with them.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Some fans accepted the clarification, while others remained skeptical.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cynical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynical. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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