as in ironical
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 cynical
As Nell, Mulligan, who has never been better, is wised-up without being cynical.
—
Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2025
Ultimately, though, the show is too cynical to move the needle in any direction but one.
—Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
While his Late Night forerunner Letterman was probably the comedic polestar of Generation X—gruff, cynical, and biting the hand that fed—O’Brien became a bedrock influence for the next generation of Millennial comics.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
And because Disney remakes of one sort or another just keep coming, from Mulan to Pinocchio to The Little Mermaid, the temptation to be cynical about them is enormous.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynical
Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2025
Ultimately, though, the show is too cynical to move the needle in any direction but one.
—Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
While his Late Night forerunner Letterman was probably the comedic polestar of Generation X—gruff, cynical, and biting the hand that fed—O’Brien became a bedrock influence for the next generation of Millennial comics.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
And because Disney remakes of one sort or another just keep coming, from Mulan to Pinocchio to The Little Mermaid, the temptation to be cynical about them is enormous.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynical
Adjective
-
The mood is a mix of ironic and sincere in equal measure, with plenty of pastiche and a heavy appreciation for the profundity of cultural detritus.—
Savannah Sobrevilla,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Despite her difficult childhood, Mavis persevered, through grit, bloody-mindedness, an absence of self-pity, and an ironic sense of humor.—
Margaret Atwood,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Always down to gossip and party, Redmond exudes Gemini's energy through his zesty and sarcastic attitude.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
This is not just a sarcastic take but a practical one.—
Jaron Lanier,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
What causes bear markets? Bear markets tend to happen when investors are feeling particularly pessimistic about the future of the economy.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Even the most Maga-loving people in my world are getting a bit pessimistic.—
David Rae,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
There has been quite a bit of negative activity around libraries, specifically around organized groups, introducing legislation to limit people’s access to materials in library collections.—
J.M. Banks,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Careful application and timing are important to minimize negative environmental impacts.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But, then, genuine misanthropic disdain is part of Verhoeven's tool kit.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Very quickly the ironic, misanthropic tone is established, as is the chemistry among the cast.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA TODAY,
12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Buffalo also had an inspiring end to the season two years ago, and that’s what has made fans skeptical that this late-season run means much.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
But people remain skeptical, and some commentary isn't helping.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
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 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share