Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
cynical
Adjective
/ˈsɪnɪkəl/
Definition
Believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
Examples
- His cynical view of the world made it hard for him to trust anyone.
- She had a cynical smile as she watched the politicians make their promises.
- The movie portrayed a cynical outlook on love and relationships.
Meaning
Cynical describes an attitude of mistrust towards the motives of others, often expecting the worst from people.
Synonyms
- sardonic
- skeptical
- distrustful
- misanthropic
