Synonyms of cynics

cynics

noun

plural of cynic

as in critics

a person who distrusts other people and believes that everything is done for selfish reasons

a cynic who believes that nobody does a good deed without expecting something in return

Synonyms & Similar Words

• critics
• naysayers
• pessimists
• misanthropes
• skeptics
• doubters
• detractors
• misogynists
• negativists
• scoffers
• defeatists
• misandrists
• malcontents
• quitters
• deriders
• belittlers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• optimists
• positivists
• idealists
• Pollyannas
• sentimentalists

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cynics

Williams led the Bears to an NFC North title and a playoff victory last season, but some cynics think the Bears are due for a regression this season. — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

That the earnestness the genre requires galls us cynics, who love to hide in our books, away from all those pesky bodies in the first place? — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Trump’s insistence on lower rates isn’t helping matters, and cynics argue that Warsh doesn’t want to make the president angry. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

But should cynics in the industry be tapping the brakes a little, to make sure everybody believes Dean is all that, before giving her an official coronation? — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 July 2026

But weddings also bring out the cynics, and there are a lot of people who cannot be swayed by a wedding. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 16 July 2026

In the afterglow of the evening, even hardened cynics couldn't deny that being admired by millions is no substitute for being loved by one. — Bryan West, USA Today, 7 July 2026

The native New Yorker has won over cynics before, his peers tell Fortune. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026

Not everyone is happy about this apparently, as large portions of cynics and haters on social media are apparently ready to say auf wiedersehen to Freddy. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026