cynically

adverb

Definition of cynicallynext
as in critically

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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 cynically Some fans viewed the collaboration cynically, criticizing it as a way for Beyoncé to capitalize on Selena’s legacy, or to court more Latino fans. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 That’s either an amazing coincidence of errors or the studies were cynically designed to contrive flaws in RCV. — Paul Haughey, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 Albums of new material followed, showing that Askew’s briny voice and cynically whimsical songcraft had only deepened with age. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 31 July 2026 As the name suggests, these politicians use populist rhetoric cynically as a vehicle for gaining power. — Literary Hub, 28 July 2026 That argument is sometimes made cynically, by people who’d rather no money were given to anyone for any reason at all. — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 There will be those who willfully or cynically refuse to see it that simply. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Islam’s schism isn’t the primary driver of the region’s conflicts, but it is deployed across the Middle East and beyond — cynically — in pursuit of state and political ambitions. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 15 June 2026 Levine said the deposition was cynically used by opposing lawyers, who snipped a small portion of a long deposition to paint a disingenuous narrative. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynically
  1. critically
  2. negatively
  3. disparagingly
  4. unfavorably
  5. disapprovingly
  6. reproachfully
  7. warily
  8. guardedly
Adverb
  • In August, an 18-year-old was critically hurt after falling 20 stories from a decommissioned grain elevator in south Minneapolis.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Look critically at the items that fill your drawers and cabinets, too.
    — Rose Kennedy, AJC.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of critically
Adverb
  • Disgraced former Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have, of course, been negatively impacted by their recent scandal.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In this storybook little village she is ostracized, acknowledged negatively by the town’s men for her fishy smell, insulted regularly when not being totally ignored.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of negatively
Adverb
  • Some speak disparagingly about Murray’s introverted nature, and others prefer not to ding him.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 28 July 2026
  • The craze has even spawned knockoffs, disparagingly known as Lafufu.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of disparagingly
Adverb
  • Bass’ surge in the poll was more notable because the mayor’s favorable ratings — which have been in the tank since the January 2025 wildfires — remained underwater, with 65% of Angelenos viewing her unfavorably compared to 64% in the last poll.
    — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • There were also complaints about its look, with some even unfavorably comparing it to the Nissan Leaf.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of unfavorably
Adverb
  • The same goes for her father when there’s no sign of pregnancy and the judgy women at church start clucking disapprovingly.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Rosenbury notes disapprovingly that there was a petition to rescind Kirk’s invitation.
    — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Definition of disapprovingly
Adverb
  • The dog was sitting on the far side, at the edge of the woods, looking at him reproachfully.
    — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of reproachfully
Adverb
  • He's been viewed warily by some Jewish voters, which he's tried to address by apologizing for some past controversial comments.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Ever since the outbreak of war with Iran earlier this year, motorists have been warily eyeing prices at the pump.
    — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of warily
Adverb
  • For now, local producers are guardedly optimistic that such political goodwill will last, while their foreign counterparts will look for reassurances that the rebate is back on solid footing.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The tall, garrulous 72-year-old county commissioner is guardedly patriotic.
    — Susan Bence, NPR, 4 July 2026
Definition of guardedly

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Cite this Entry

“Cynically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynically. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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