Synonyms of cynical

cynical

adjective

ˈsi-ni-kəl 

as in pessimistic

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

• pessimistic
• sarcastic
• negative
• misanthropic
• ironic
• skeptical
• suspicious
• sardonic
• negativistic
• mocking
• derisive
• fatalistic
• distrustful
• 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
• 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

And yet as cynical and beaten-down as the film’s viewpoint can often be, there is still a spark of decency and perseverance. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

The next series on this list represents cynical American politics, but NBC's sweet sitcom is the definition of hopeful, cooperative political experience. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 June 2026

His comments also gave cover to right-wing politicians such as Hanson, who have invoked concern for Jews as a cynical way to further their own agendas. — Oscar Schwartz, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Kara Zor-El, the cynical, surly protagonist of the new Supergirl movie, has a very different attitude than her goody two-shoes cousin, Clark Kent. — James Grebey, Time, 26 June 2026

Video

The History of 'Cynic'

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