The usual cynical definition is believing that people are driven mostly by selfishness, so their kind words or good deeds probably hide another motive. If a company gives to charity and your first thought is that it only wants good press, that thought is cynical.
The word has a second use too. A cynical act or plan is one that coldly exploits a situation, with no concern for fairness: a cynical attempt to profit from a disaster. So the word can describe how someone sees others, or how someone behaves.
Entry at a glance
Meaning
Distrusting others' motives; or selfishly exploiting a situationPart of speech
AdjectivePronunciation
SIN-ih-kuhlWord forms
cynic (person), cynicism (noun), cynically (adverb)Origin
Greek kynikos, dog-like, the name of an ancient school of philosophersOpposite
trusting, idealistic, optimistic, naiveClose words
distrustful, skeptical, jaded, pessimisticRegister
Neutral; usually critical
Cynical definition and the meaning of cynic
- Distrustful of motives. Believing that people act mainly for their own gain, and doubting sincerity or goodness. Years in sales made him cynical about compliments.
- Coldly self-serving. Describing an action that uses others or a situation without caring about what is right. The cynical timing of the price rise angered shoppers.
A cynic is a person with that outlook: someone who expects the worst of people and their reasons. The cynic meaning in everyday talk is close to someone who assumes there is always a catch. With a capital C, a Cynic is a member of the ancient Greek school the word comes from.
Examples in sentences
- After three broken promises from the landlord, the tenants grew cynical about any repair plan.
- Don't be so cynical; maybe he really did volunteer because he wanted to help.
- Critics called the ad campaign a cynical use of a national tragedy.
- She smiled cynically when the manager said the overtime was optional.
- Teenagers can sound cynical about adults, yet still hope to be proven wrong.
From dog-like philosophers to doubters
The word goes back to Greek kynikos, dog-like, from kyon, dog. Ancient Greeks applied it to a group of thinkers who rejected wealth, fame and social customs, and lived very simply in the open. Why they were called dog-like is not certain. One explanation points to their rough, shameless way of living in public; another links the name to a gymnasium in Athens where their founder taught, whose name began with the same sound.
English used Cynic for the philosophers from the 1550s. By the 1590s a cynic could be any sneering faultfinder, and by the 1660s cynical had taken on today's meaning of doubting other people's sincerity. The same ancient root for dog shows up in canine and hound.
Cynical, skeptical, pessimistic and jaded
| Word | What it doubts | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cynical | People's motives and honesty | They're only being nice because they want something. |
| Skeptical | Claims, until there is evidence | I'll believe the diet works when I see the study. |
| Pessimistic | Outcomes; expects bad results | It will probably rain on the wedding. |
| Jaded | Enthusiasm, worn out by experience | Another conference; I've seen it all before. |
Skepticism can be healthy, a demand for proof. Cynicism goes further and assumes bad motives even before the evidence is in. The opposite outlook, assuming the best, ranges from optimistic to naive.
How to use it
Cynical works before a noun (a cynical remark, a cynical move) or after a linking verb (he became cynical). It often takes about: cynical about politics, cynical about love. Useful pairings include deeply cynical, a bit cynical, grow cynical, cynical ploy and cynical view.
The noun cynicism names the attitude: public cynicism about big promises.
Is being cynical always bad
Not entirely. A dose of doubt protects people from scams, empty promises and manipulation. The problem comes when distrust becomes a default and stops you from seeing genuine kindness. Some research links deep, constant cynicism with stress and loneliness, while measured doubt tends to serve people better. Words for related moods, such as apathy and nihilism, are collected under people and feelings.
Frequently asked questions
How would you explain cynical to a child?
Cynical means not trusting that people have good reasons for what they do. A cynical person thinks most people care mainly about themselves.
What is a cynic?
A cynic is someone who expects people to act out of selfishness and doubts their sincerity. The word first named a school of ancient Greek philosophers.
How do you pronounce cynical?
Say SIN-ih-kuhl, with a soft c that sounds like s. Cynic is SIN-ik and cynicism is SIN-ih-siz-um.
What is the difference between cynical and sarcastic?
Cynical is an attitude of distrust. Sarcastic describes a mocking way of speaking. A cynic may often be sarcastic, but you can be either one without the other.
Is cynical the same as skeptical?
No. A skeptic doubts a claim until shown evidence. A cynic doubts people's motives and tends to assume the worst even when evidence is lacking.
Can you define cynical as negative?
It is usually negative or critical, especially when describing a scheme. Some people call themselves a little cynical with pride, meaning they are hard to fool.