cynic

noun

ˈsi-nik How to pronounce cynic (audio)
Definition of cynicnext
as in misanthrope
a person who distrusts other people and believes that everything is done for selfish reasons a cynic who believes that nobody does a good deed without expecting something in return

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cynic But weddings also bring out the cynics, and there are a lot of people who cannot be swayed by a wedding. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 16 July 2026 In the afterglow of the evening, even hardened cynics couldn't deny that being admired by millions is no substitute for being loved by one. — Bryan West, USA Today, 7 July 2026 The native New Yorker has won over cynics before, his peers tell Fortune. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026 Not everyone is happy about this apparently, as large portions of cynics and haters on social media are apparently ready to say auf wiedersehen to Freddy. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cynic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynic
  1. misanthrope
  2. critic
  3. pessimist
  4. naysayer
  5. skeptic
Noun
  • Still, this misanthrope takes somewhat of a liking to Fiona (Florence Ordesh), the woman who shows him to his room and tends the hotel bar.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The story follows a rag-tag group of misanthropes who attempt to rob jewels from the Vatican.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
Definition of misanthrope
Noun
  • But the political context of the latest war of words has only deepened the suspicions of some of Netanyahu’s critics.
    — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The film also scrutinizes the failures across policing, the courts and social institutions that critics say let his abuse persist largely undetected for so long.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of critic
Noun
  • But even a pessimist then wouldn’t have predicted a plummet in production to this extent two years later.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Though the pessimists should be considered carefully, the latest Nobel laureates—awarded their prizes for their on work long-term growth—are optimistic.
    — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of pessimist
Noun
  • That’s what naysayers infatuated with Bhayshul Tuten continuously preach.
    — Brad Evans, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Still, White believes there’s a way to let naysayers know how the Hornets can be a good team in a tough conference.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of naysayer
Noun
  • Under Kennedy, vaccine skeptics have been elevated to prominent positions and public-health agencies have suppressed the publication of scientific reports that diverge from his preferred narrative.
    — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Ladapo has asserted himself as one of the country’s most outspoken vaccine skeptics, going beyond what some of his fellow Republicans have been comfortable with.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of skeptic

Browse Nearby Words

cylindrical
cynic
cynical
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Cite this Entry

“Cynic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynic. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cynic

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cynic

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