Cynical

Quick meaning: Cynical is an adjective meaning Of or relating to the belief that human actions are motivated only or primarily by base desires or selfishness.

Meaning

Of or relating to the belief that human actions are motivated only or primarily by base desires or selfishness.

More Meanings

1. Skeptical of the integrity, sincerity, or motives of others.
2. Bitterly or jadedly distrustful or contemptuous; mocking.
3. Showing contempt for accepted moral standards by one's actions.
4. (medicine, rare) Like the actions of a snarling dog, especially in reference to facial nerve paralysis.

Example Sentences

I hope it is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received.

Demetrius Attalicus studied the symptomatologies due to strictura cerebri, characterized by a cynical spasm of the facial nerve.

Towards noon, he experienced convulsive movements; the extremities became stiff, the pulse extremely small, and he died during an attack of cynical spasm.

He seldom talked, and when he did, it was usually to make some cynical remark-for instance, he would say that God had given him a tail to keep the flies off, but that he would sooner have had no tail and no flies.

Synonyms for cynical

Depending on context, synonyms include distrustful, misanthropic, misanthropical.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include distrustful, misanthropical, misanthropic, cynic, callous, insensitive.

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