cynical
pronunciation
How to pronounce cynical in British English:
UK [ˈsɪnɪkl]
How to pronounce cynical in American English:
US [ˈsɪnɪkl]
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- Adjective:
- believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others
Word Origin
- cynical (adj.)
- 1580s, "resembling Cynic philosophers," from cynic + -al (1). By late 17c. the meaning had shaded into the general one of "critical, disparaging the motives of others, captious, sneering, peevish." Related: Cynically.
Synonym
acrimonious insulting acerb caustic mordant incisive uncharitable nipping pointed sharp-tongued acerbic stinging cutting abusive sneering piercing pungent acrid trenchant sharp acidulous bitter acid mordacious biting scurrilous
Antonym
Example
- 1. Dumb blond : cynical play for blond domination ?
- 2. Don 't become cynical , but verify everything you can .
- 3. His cynical blue eyes bore into me .
- 4. At dinner it quickly became clear to even the most cynical correspondents that the prince was deeply pained for his devastated country .
- 5. Other weibo users were more cynical .