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. warily
  7. guardedly
Adverb
  • Meanwhile, Send Last Location automatically sends your iPhone's location to Apple when its battery reaches a critically low level.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • According to the account of Netanyahu and other passengers, Machchhar, a father, tried to fight off his co-pilot before being critically wounded with a small knife.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of critically
Adverb
  • In Texas, Talarico has remained competitive despite a major Republican campaign effort aimed at defining him negatively.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Some of the documents showed the company was aware of how its platforms negatively impacted teens’ mental health.
    — CJ Haddad, CNBC, 2 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
  • Becerra’s wide lead is also boosted by his favorability rating — 48% of likely voters have a favorable opinion of him while 40% view him unfavorably and 11% have no opinion.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • But the 48% of respondents who viewed the Republican incumbent unfavorably was nearly 18 percentage points higher than Hamilton’s share.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 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
  • 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
  • The tall, garrulous 72-year-old county commissioner is guardedly patriotic.
    — Susan Bence, NPR, 4 July 2026
  • San Diego faces economic challenges in the coming year, but one expert is guardedly optimistic about efforts to address affordability and the potential benefits of artificial intelligence.
    — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 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 6 Oct. 2026.

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