Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

cynical

[sin-i-kuhl] / ˈsɪn ɪ kəl /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“In my mind, it’s never been cynical about the human condition and about the importance of families, love and mercy and kindness,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Emilia, by contrast, is a strikingly modern figure in her cynical assessments of the hypocrisy of a culture that will deride women for sexual behavior that wouldn’t be censured in men.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

"But for people who are younger, who haven't been exposed to cynical marketing practices, these strategies may have more persuasive impacts."

From BBC • May 13, 2026

But the question of whether it made cynical sense to hack the situation’s geopolitics stuck with me: Should people wait on war developments to book their flights?

From Slate • May 12, 2026

That these thoughts never occurred to Charlie told you something about him: He was not nearly as cynical as he needed to be.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis




Vocabulary lists containing cynical


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "cynical" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com