cynical

adjective

Skeptical of the integrity, sincerity, or motives of others.

Of or relating to the belief that human actions are motivated only or primarily by base desires or selfishness.

Bitterly or jadedly distrustful or contemptuous; mocking.

Showing contempt for accepted moral standards by one's actions.

Of or relating to the Cynics, a sect of Ancient Greek philosophers who believed virtue to be the only good and self-control to be the only means of achieving virtue.

(medicine, rare) Like the actions of a snarling dog, especially in reference to facial nerve paralysis.

Roots

kynikoscynic- · Greek · dog-like

Synonyms for cynical

sardonicadj sarcasticadj pessimisticadj ironicadj nihilisticadj pessimistn defeatistn satiricadj

Synonyms & related words for cynical

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Words related to cynical

Explore words related to cynical — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include misanthropic, misanthropical, cynic, cynicism, cynically, jaded, sardonicism, jadedness. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for cynical

Common synonyms for cynical include sardonic, sarcastic, pessimistic, ironic, nihilistic, pessimist, defeatist, satiric — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does cynical come from?

The word cynical breaks down into one root of Greek origin: the root cynic-, from Greek kynikos (“dog-like”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.