cynical, misanthropic, pessimistic mean deeply distrustful. cynical implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity.

CYNICAL definition: distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; like or characteristic of a cynic. See examples of cynical used in a sentence.

It's not that we don't trust love, or are cynical about relationships; it's just that we're no longer delusional about them either.

Definition of cynical adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Believing or showing the belief that people are motivated chiefly by base or selfish concerns; skeptical of the motives of others: a cynical dismissal of the politician's promise to reform the …

If you are cynical about something, you do not believe that it can be successful or that the people involved are honest.

Cynical definition: Believing or showing the belief that people are motivated chiefly by base or selfish concerns; skeptical of the motives of others.

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 …

Cynic : an adherent of an ancient Greek school of philosophers who held the view that virtue is the only good and that its essence lies in self-control and independence. Did you know? The …

Jul 15, 2025 · Adjective cynical (comparative more cynical, superlative most cynical) Of or relating to the belief that human actions are motivated only or primarily by base desires or selfishness.