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
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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
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
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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
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But his comments are, at the very least, rather ironic.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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As a model named Carl, stuck in a relationship corrupted by microcelebrity and Instagram view counts, Dickinson ticks with exasperation and sarcastic logic, his jaw clenched, his eyes wide and staring.—
Carrie Battan,
Vulture,
6 Oct. 2025
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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
Adjective
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The discovery report recorded that the top drawer of the desk contains the provisioner’s ledger and the captain’s expedition journal, but the Danish team who found the ship were pessimistic about the likelihood of the books surviving the tow.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Oct. 2025
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The Wine Country actress, who performed on SNL for seven seasons from 1999 to 2006, recalled the origins of her profusely pessimistic character during an interview with her former castmate Amy Poehler on Good Hang.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In the aftermath of Kirk's death, waves of firings and suspensions have occurred across the country in connection to individuals’ social media posts about Kirk, as conservative politicians and influencers push for a crackdown on negative posts about the political podcaster.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
11 Oct. 2025
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However, Belichick’s NFL past continues to hover around this situation, from questions about his legacy to regular flare-ups involving the Patriots to suspicions within UNC’s program that some of the negative headlines have origins in New England.—
Dianna Russini,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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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
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Some fans accepted the clarification, while others remained skeptical.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
6 Oct. 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
“Cynical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynical. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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