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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cynical
Its portrayal of overwhelming, gut-wrenching grief could easily leave its characters cynical about love.
—
Dana Feldman,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
But there are many who have a more cynical view about why these breaks have really been introduced.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
Americans become even more cynical and polarized.
—
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
The scene isn’t just a powder keg of tension that leads to frenzied bedlam; its cynical depiction of human self-preservation is far more terrifying than any horror movie monster.
—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cynical
Dana Feldman,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
But there are many who have a more cynical view about why these breaks have really been introduced.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
Americans become even more cynical and polarized.
—
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
The scene isn’t just a powder keg of tension that leads to frenzied bedlam; its cynical depiction of human self-preservation is far more terrifying than any horror movie monster.
—
Brianna Zigler,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cynical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical
Adjective
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Conversely, Charles Johnson expressed irate objections, and Renato Moicano offered sarcastic remarks.
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There’s the yellow, blue-nosed beaver Norb (Nick Bakay) — witty, sophisticated, sarcastic, and opinionated.
Adjective
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Recent polls show majority of voters are pessimistic about the economy and a lasting peace deal with Iran.
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Despite this, the staff report from the meeting expressed a pessimistic financial outlook for the town.
Adjective
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But a recent poll shows that a majority abroad have a negative view of the country.
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Bass’ handling of the Palisades fire has had a long-lasting, negative impact on voters’ opinions of her.
Adjective
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The philosophy-minded writer, apart from being generally (and characteristically) misanthropic, was making a profound point.
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Wealthy, misanthropic and obsessive-compulsive, Melvin Udall, played by Jack Nicholson, develops an unlikely bond with Carol, a waitress portrayed by Helen Hunt.
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 28 Jun. 2026.
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