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- DictionaryCyn·i·cal/ˈsinək(ə)l/
adjective
- 1. believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity: "he was brutally cynical and hardened to every sob story under the sun"
- 2. concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards in order to achieve them: "a cynical manipulation of public opinion"
Sep 6, 2011 · cynical, misanthropic, pessimistic mean deeply distrustful. cynical implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity. cynical about politicians' motives. misanthropic suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society. a solitary and misanthropic artist.
Synonyms for CYNICAL: ironical, ironic, sarcastic, pessimistic, negative, misanthropic, skeptical, sardonic; Antonyms of CYNICAL: optimistic, positive, cheerful, naive, trustful, trusting, naïve, unsuspicious.
distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp that all acts are selfish. sarcastic; mocking. showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp of honesty or morality. the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way.
CYNICAL definition: 1. believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere: 2. used to say…. Learn more.
CYNICAL meaning: 1. believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere: 2. used to say…. Learn more.
A cynical person has a bleak outlook about others, always imagining that people are ruled by their worst instincts. H.L. Mencken was famous for saying cynical things like, "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public."
Jun 2, 2024 · Of or relating to the belief that human actions are motivated only or primarily by base desires or selfishness. Skeptical of the integrity, sincerity, or motives of others. Bitterly or jadedly distrustful or contemptuous; mocking. Showing contempt for accepted moral standards by one's actions.
1. distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp that all acts are selfish. 2. sarcastic; mocking. 3. showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp of honesty or morality. the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way. Collins English Dictionary.
cynical (about something) not believing that something good will happen or that something is important. I'm a bit cynical about the benefits of the plan. Her experiences with men have made her thoroughly cynical about love. I'm a little cynical about her motives.
CYNICAL definition: 1. believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere: 2. cynical beliefs. Learn more.
