cynic

noun

cyn·ic ˈsi-nik

Synonyms of cynic next

: a faultfinding captious critic

especially : one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest

Of course, there will always be cynics when companies make good-faith apologies and seek to follow through. —

Andrew Ross Sorkin

capitalized : an adherent of an ancient Greek school of philosophers who held the view that virtue is the only good and that its essence lies in self-control and independence

cynic adjective

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The ancient Greece school of philosophers known as Cynics was founded by Antisthenes, a contemporary of Plato. Antisthenes is said to have taught at a gymnasium outside Athens called the Kynosarges, from which the name of the school, kynikoi, literally, “doglike ones,�? may be derived. On the other hand, the name is most closely associated with the most famous Cynic philosopher, Diogenes of Sinope. Diogenes rejected social conventions and declared that whatever was natural and easy could not be indecent and therefore can and should be done in public. This shamelessness earned him the Greek epithet ho ky�?n, “the dog.�? In English, however, cynic and cynical have more to do with distrust of motives than shamelessness.

Examples of cynic in a Sentence

He's too much of a cynic to see the benefits of marriage. A cynic might think that the governor visited the hospital just to gain votes. Reporters who cover politics often become cynics.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

As the two moved through the scenes like a pair of tragic jesters, delighting the wide-eyed and annoying the cynics. —

Elise Taylor, Vogue, 16 Jan. 2025 Thus, the Rock Hall is surely more excited at the prospect of inducting current megastars like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga than appeasing its cynics. —

Troy Smith, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025 Other cynics tend to follow suit, sitting out elections and social movements more often than non-cynics. —

Jamil Zaki, TIME, 3 Sep. 2024 In the verses, Bradley Cooper and Gaga’s lyrics and vocal lines are mirrored — two world-weary cynics serenading each other. —

Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cynic

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin, Middle French cynique, from Latin cynicus, from Greek kynikos, literally, like a dog, from kyn-, ky�?n dog — more at hound

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of cynic was in 1533

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cynic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynic. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

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Kids Definition

cynic

noun

cyn·ic ˈsin-ik

: a person who distrusts people

especially : one who believes that people act only in self-interest

Etymology

from early French cynique or Latin cynicus, both meaning "cynic," from Greek kynikos, literally, "like a dog"

Word Origin

In ancient Greece, a certain philosopher taught that virtue was the most important goal in life. He and his pupils openly scorned wealth and pleasure. Such a philosopher was called kynikos, which literally means "like a dog." One likely reason for this name is that the group's leader taught at a school with a name that began with the same letters as in the Greek word for "dog." It is also likely that many Greeks who used kynikos for these philosophers were offended by their rudeness. Cynic has been used in English since the 16th century for such philosophers. Once cynic had appeared in English, it wasn't long before it was applied to any faultfinding critic. Later, it was used chiefly of one who doubts the sincerity of all human motives except selfishness.

Last Updated: 23 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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cynic

noun

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Synonyms

Examples of cynic in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near cynic

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Kids Definition