cynical
cynical Lexical Profile
cynical Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than acting for honorable or unselfish reasons; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
"Years of working in investigative journalism had made him cynical about the promises of public officials."
Concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted standards of honesty or morality in order to achieve them.
"Critics condemned the sudden tax cut just before the election as a cynical attempt to win over undecided voters."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Cynical' is often confused with 'skeptical'; while a skeptical person simply requires evidence before believing a claim, a cynical person specifically assumes that human actions are driven by selfishness or dishonesty.
• Rhymes for cynical
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived via Latin from Ancient Greek 'kynikos' (dog-like), from 'kyon' (dog), originally referring to the ancient Greek sect of Cynic philosophers whose unconventional, outspoken rejection of wealth and social norms was likened to the behavior of dogs.