Synonyms of cynical

cynical

adjective

ˈsi-ni-kəl 

as in ironic

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

• ironic
• sarcastic
• pessimistic
• negative
• misanthropic
• 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

Where Friends gives you the aspirational side of 90s New York living, Seinfeld gives you the cynical, hilariously mundane side. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026

Trump, however, is cynical enough to foresee these future threats to the Anglo-American advantage of the status quo. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026

Which is a bit of a cynical play. —Alison Herman, Variety, 2 Mar. 2026

Jisoo is paired with Seo In-guk, who plays her cynical real-world rival. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2026

Video

The History of 'Cynic'

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