adj.
Pronunciation: ' si-ni-k ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 1542
1 : CAPTIOUS , PEEVISH
2 : having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic: as a : contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives <those cynical men who say that democracy cannot be honest and efficient ― F. D. Roosevelt> b : based on or reflecting a belief that human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest <a cynical ploy to cheat customers>
– cyn · i · cal · ly \ -k( ə -)l ē \ adverb
synonyms CYNICAL , MISANTHROPIC , PESSIMISTIC mean deeply distrustful. CYNICAL implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity < cynical about politicians' motives>. MISANTHROPIC suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society <a solitary and misanthropic artist>. PESSIMISTIC implies having a gloomy, distrustful view of life < pessimistic about the future>.