cynical, misanthropic, pessimistic mean deeply distrustful. cynical implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity.

CYNICAL definition: distrusting or disparaging the motives of others; like or characteristic of a cynic. See examples of cynical used in a sentence.

CYNICAL definition: 1. believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere: 2. used to say…. Learn more.

Definition of cynical adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If you are cynical about something, you do not believe that it can be successful or that the people involved are honest.

Believing or showing the belief that people are motivated chiefly by base or selfish concerns; skeptical of the motives of others: a cynical dismissal of the politician's promise to reform the campaign finance …

Jan 14, 2026 · Adjective cynical (comparative more cynical, superlative most cynical) Of or relating to the belief that human actions are motivated only or primarily by base desires or selfishness.

Cynical definition: Believing or showing the belief that people are motivated chiefly by base or selfish concerns; skeptical of the motives of others.

Cynical is an adjective that describes an attitude or viewpoint characterized by distrust, skepticism, and a belief that human motives are primarily selfish or insincere.

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 …