cynically

adverb

Definition of cynicallynext
as in critically

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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 cynically That’s either an amazing coincidence of errors or the studies were cynically designed to contrive flaws in RCV. — Paul Haughey, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 Albums of new material followed, showing that Askew’s briny voice and cynically whimsical songcraft had only deepened with age. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 31 July 2026 As the name suggests, these politicians use populist rhetoric cynically as a vehicle for gaining power. — Literary Hub, 28 July 2026 That argument is sometimes made cynically, by people who’d rather no money were given to anyone for any reason at all. — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026 There will be those who willfully or cynically refuse to see it that simply. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Islam’s schism isn’t the primary driver of the region’s conflicts, but it is deployed across the Middle East and beyond — cynically — in pursuit of state and political ambitions. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 15 June 2026 Levine said the deposition was cynically used by opposing lawyers, who snipped a small portion of a long deposition to paint a disingenuous narrative. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026 The career advice wasn’t cynically wrong. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynically
  1. critically
  2. negatively
  3. disparagingly
  4. unfavorably
  5. disapprovingly
  6. warily
  7. guardedly
Adverb
  • More critically, the obstruction blocks the flow of water and nutrients.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Kabita’s hemoglobin levels were critically low, leaving her short of oxygen and straining her heart.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of critically
Adverb
  • Eighty percent of human resources (HR) managers worry that employees' financial issues negatively affect productivity, according to Morgan Stanley at Work's sixth annual State of the Workplace Financial Benefits Study, published in May 2026.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • If the market reacts negatively, the yen will weaken further and import prices will rise.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of negatively
Adverb
  • Some speak disparagingly about Murray’s introverted nature, and others prefer not to ding him.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 28 July 2026
  • The craze has even spawned knockoffs, disparagingly known as Lafufu.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of disparagingly
Adverb
  • Forty-nine percent of likely voters view Becerra favorably, compared with 43% who view him unfavorably.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Civil rights advocates say the equipment will heighten mistrust of immigration agents who are already viewed unfavorably by a skeptical public.
    — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of unfavorably
Adverb
  • The same goes for her father when there’s no sign of pregnancy and the judgy women at church start clucking disapprovingly.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Rosenbury notes disapprovingly that there was a petition to rescind Kirk’s invitation.
    — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Definition of disapprovingly
Adverb
  • Livestream videos from that night capture people warily approaching the shooting scene.
    — Sydney Brownstone, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The situation can leave a Gen Xer to watch their retirement fund warily.
    — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 26 July 2026
Definition of warily
Adverb
  • The tall, garrulous 72-year-old county commissioner is guardedly patriotic.
    — Susan Bence, NPR, 4 July 2026
  • San Diego faces economic challenges in the coming year, but one expert is guardedly optimistic about efforts to address affordability and the potential benefits of artificial intelligence.
    — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of guardedly

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Cite this Entry

“Cynically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynically. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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