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The meaning of CYNICAL is having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic. How to use cynical in a sentence. Out of the Kennel: The History of Cynical Synonym Discussion of Cynical.
CYNICAL definition: 1. believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere: 2. used to say…. Learn more.
Synonyms for CYNICAL: ironical, ironic, sarcastic, pessimistic, negative, misanthropic, skeptical, sardonic; Antonyms of CYNICAL: optimistic, positive, cheerful, naive, trustful, trusting, naïve, unsuspicious.
adjective. distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp that all acts are selfish. sarcastic; mocking. showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp of honesty or morality. the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way.
distrustful or contemptuous of virtue, esp selflessness in others; believing the worst of others, esp that all acts are selfish. 2. sarcastic; mocking. 3. showing contempt for accepted standards of behaviour, esp of honesty or morality. the politician betrayed his promises in a cynical way. Collins English Dictionary.
especially : one who believes that people act only in self-interest. Etymology. from early French cynique or Latin cynicus, both meaning "cynic," from Greek kynikos, literally, "like a dog". Word Origin. In ancient Greece, a certain philosopher taught that virtue was the most important goal in life.
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 broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public."
