✅ Cynical refers to a distrustful attitude towards others’ motives, often believing they are selfish (She was cynical about the politician’s promises). 

✅ Skeptical means having doubts or questioning the validity of something (He was skeptical of the new scientific theory). 

✅ Both terms involve questioning or doubt.

✅ Cynical usually implies a deeper level of mistrust or disbelief in others' motives, while skeptical is a more general term for doubt (I was cynical about their seemingly friendly demeanor and kept wondering if they were hiding something; A skeptical nature tends to question everything).

✅ Shallow means lacking depth, either literally or figuratively (The water was too shallow for diving). 

✅ Superficial means existing or occurring on the surface or lacking depth in terms of insight or substance (Your analysis of the issue was superficial and didn't address the core problems). 

✅ Both words describe a lack of depth or complexity. 

✅ Shallow is often used for physical depth or casual topics, while superficial can also refer to lack of depth in understanding or emotional connection (The shallow pond was perfect for wading; His understanding of the subject remained superficial despite the lectures).

✅ Peak refers to the highest point or summit of something (We reached the peak of the mountain after a long climb). 

✅ Zenith denotes the highest point, often in a figurative sense, like the peak of success or influence (At its zenith, the empire controlled vast territories). Zenith also refers to the highest point in an arc traveled by a planet, star, or other celestial body (At midnight, the constellation Orion reached its zenith, directly overhead in the clear night sky).

✅ Both terms describe the highest point of something. 

✅ Peak is commonly used for physical heights or achievements, while zenith is often used in astronomy and for abstract concepts or positions of power (The peak of the roller coaster was thrilling; The company reached its zenith during the tech boom; During the solar eclipse, we lay on the grass, watching the moon slowly move toward its zenith).