Cool MateMeaning of Cynical
believing that people only do things to help themselves rather than for good or honest reasons
In simple words: Someone who believes people are selfish and dishonest.
Cynical in a sentence
- a cynical view/smile
- Do you have to be so cynical about everything?
- his deeply cynical attitude
- Her lips curled into a cynical smile.
- I'm a bit cynical about the benefits of the plan.
- Her experiences with men have made her thoroughly cynical about love.
- I'm a little cynical about her motives.
- a cynical disregard for the safety of others
- a deliberate and cynical foul
How to use Cynical
Use 'cynical' when discussing distrust in others' motives. It's appropriate in serious conversations but may sound too harsh in casual contexts.
Grammar pattern
cynical + about/object
Memory hint
Sounds like 'sin' — imagine a person who thinks everyone is out to sin against them.
Related words
Collocations with Cynical
Synonyms for Cynical
- skeptical
- jaded
- disillusioned
- pessimistic
- misanthropic
Opposites of Cynical
- optimistic
- trusting
- hopeful
Common mistakes with Cynical
- Confusing with 'sarcastic' which has a different meaning.
- Using in overly positive contexts where optimism is needed.
- Mistaking 'cynical' for 'critical' which conveys a different nuance.
Cynical appears in
Cynical in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
ساخر
شخص يعتقد أن الناس أنانيون وغير صادقين.
- Bengaliবাংলা
নিন্দুক
এমন কেউ যে বিশ্বাস করে মানুষ স্বার্থপর এবং অসৎ।
- GermanDeutsch
Zynisch
Jemand, der glaubt, dass Menschen egoistisch und unehrlich sind.
- SpanishEspañol
Cinismo
Alguien que cree que la gente es egoísta y deshonesta.
- Persianفارسی
بدبین، بدگمان
کسی که فکر میکنه مردم خودخواه و نادرست هستن.
- FrenchFrançais
Cynique
Quelqu'un qui pense que les gens sont égoïstes et malhonnêtes.
- Hindiहिन्दी
निंदक
कोई ऐसा व्यक्ति जो मानता है कि लोग स्वार्थी और बेईमान हैं।
- ItalianItaliano
Cinico
Qualcuno che crede che le persone siano egoiste e disoneste.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Cínico
Alguém que acha que as pessoas são egoístas e desonestas.
- RussianРусский
Циничный
Человек, который считает, что люди эгоистичны и нечестны.
- Urduاردو
بدبین، بدگمان
ایسا شخص جو یقین رکھتا ہے کہ لوگ خود غرض اور بددیانت ہیں
- Chinese中文
愤世嫉俗的, 怀疑的
觉得别人都是自私自利的，不诚实的人。
More words like Cynical
- Skeptical
- AbolishC1
To formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution.
- AbortionC1
the deliberate ending of a pregnancy at an early stage
- AbsenceC1
the fact of somebody being away from a place where they are usually expected to be; the occasion or period of time when somebody is away
- AbsentC1
not in a place because of illness, etc.
- AbsorbB2
To take in a liquid, gas, or other substances.
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Frequently asked questions about Cynical
What does Cynical mean?
Someone who believes people are selfish and dishonest.
What is the definition of Cynical?
believing that people only do things to help themselves rather than for good or honest reasons
How do you use Cynical in a sentence?
a cynical view/smile
Can you give another example of Cynical?
Do you have to be so cynical about everything?
What are synonyms for Cynical?
Common alternatives include skeptical, jaded, disillusioned, pessimistic, misanthropic.
What is the opposite of Cynical?
Opposite meanings include optimistic, trusting, hopeful.
What words go with Cynical?
It commonly pairs with be, feel, seem, extremely, fairly, very, about, be, feel, seem, extremely, fairly, very, about, be, feel, seem, extremely, fairly, very, about.
What are common mistakes when using Cynical?
Confusing with 'sarcastic' which has a different meaning. Using in overly positive contexts where optimism is needed. Mistaking 'cynical' for 'critical' which conveys a different nuance.
How do you pronounce Cynical?
US: /["/ˈsɪnɪkl/"]/, UK: /["/ˈsɪnɪkl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Cynical?
Use 'cynical' when discussing distrust in others' motives. It's appropriate in serious conversations but may sound too harsh in casual contexts.
What CEFR level is Cynical?
"Cynical" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.