cynical

Meaning

1. Of or relating to the belief that human actions are motivated only or primarily by base desires or selfishness.
2. Skeptical of the integrity, sincerity, or motives of others.
3. Bitterly or jadedly distrustful or contemptuous; mocking.
4. Showing contempt for accepted moral standards by one's actions.
5. (rare) Like the actions of a snarling dog, especially in reference to facial nerve paralysis.

Synonyms

cynic

pessimistic

misanthropic

negative

distrustful

sarcastic

sardonic

sneer

misanthropical

foul

incredulous

jeer

low

passive

scoff

scornful

snide

suspicious

unbelieving

vile

warped

acerbic

show contempt

antagonistic

bitchy

canine

contemptuous

derisive

dirty

disillusioned

egotistical

Translations

cynique

zynisch

cinico

cínico

cínico

κυνικός

cynisch

cínic

sardonique

höhnisch

αδιάντροπα

boshaft

sarcastique

ωμός

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈsɪnɪkəl/

Etymology

Originated 1542, from Classical Latin cynicus (“Cynic/cynic”, adjective) + -al. By surface analysis, cynic + -al. In reference to dogs, with allusion to the ultimate etymology (Ancient Greek κυνικός (kunikós, “doglike”)).