cynic
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.
Mr. Riley’s column reminds me of Oscar Wilde’s definition of a cynic: “A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026
Given the state of the government's popularity, you don't have to be a cynic to ask if these sorts of promises will be enough to turn things round.
From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026
A cynic might argue that celebrities don’t want film and moviegoing as we know them to die because they don’t want to lose their source of income, and maybe that’s true for some.
From Salon • Jan. 13, 2026
But even a cynic might think that it would, for now, draw the line at the FTC.
From Slate • Sep. 22, 2025
Me: My point is it doesn't have to turn you into a cynic.
From "The Misfits" by James Howe
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From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.