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   Cyn·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"
   • ▪ doubtful as to whether something will happen or whether it is worthwhile: "most residents are cynical about efforts to clean mobsters out of their city"
   • ▪ contemptuous; mocking: "he gave a cynical laugh"
   • 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"

   Word Origin late 16th century: from cynic + -al.

   Scrabble Points: 14

   • C

     3

   • Y

     4

   • N

     1

   • I

     1

   • C

     3

   • A

     1

   • L

     1

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