Definition of cynical Cynical

/sɪˈnɪkʌl/ - [sinikul] - cyn•i•cal

We found 13 definitions of cynical from 5 different sources.

What does cynical mean?

Adjective
cynical - believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others
		misanthropic, misanthropical
		distrustful having or showing distrust; "a man of distrustful nature"; "my experience...in other fields of law has made me distrustful of rules of thumb generally"- B.N.Cardozo; "vigilant and distrustful superintendence"- Thomas Jefferson

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cynical (Adjective)
Of or relating to the belief that human actions are motivated only or primarily by base desires or selfishness.
cynical (Adjective)
skeptical of the integrity, sincerity, or motives of others.
cynical (Adjective)
bitterly or jadedly distrustful or contemptuous; mocking.
cynical (Adjective)
Showing contempt for accepted moral standards by one's actions.
cynical (Adjective)
Like the actions of a snarling dog.

cynical (a.)
Having the qualities of a surly dog; snarling; captious; currish.
cynical (a.)
Pertaining to the Dog Star; as, the cynic, or Sothic, year; cynic cycle.
cynical (a.)
Belonging to the sect of philosophers called cynics; having the qualities of a cynic; pertaining to, or resembling, the doctrines of the cynics.
cynical (a.)
Given to sneering at rectitude and the conduct of life by moral principles; disbelieving in the reality of any human purposes which are not suggested or directed by self-interest or self-indulgence; as, a cynical man who scoffs at pretensions of integrity; characterized by such opinions; as, cynical views of human nature.