What does "cynic" mean?
A person whose outlook is scornfully negative.
Cynic
/ˈsɪnɪk/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A person whose outlook is scornfully negative.
- Grammar: cynic is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adherent, ascetic thinker, backbiter, belittler.
- Useful contrasts: naif, believer, candide.
- Usage evidence: What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing.
How to use "cynic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "cynic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "cynic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "cynic" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "cynic" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adherent" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "cynic", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person whose outlook is scornfully negative.
"Well, that's one in the eye for the nay-sayers, the doubters, the cynics and assorted tosspots what make up the media and that."
- 2 A member of a sect of Ancient Greek philosophers who believed virtue to be the only good and self-control to be the only means of achieving virtue.
- 3 someone who is critical of the motives of others wordnet
- 4 A person who believes that all people are motivated by selfishness.
- 5 a member of a group of ancient Greek philosophers who advocated the doctrine that virtue is the only good and that the essence of virtue is self-control wordnet
Adjective
- 1 cynical (in all senses)
- 2 Of or relating to the Cynics. not-comparable
- 3 Relating to the Dog Star. not-comparable
"the cynic, or Sothic, year; cynic cycle"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "cynic"?
Common synonyms include: adherent, ascetic thinker, backbiter, belittler, calamity howler, calumniator.
How do you use "cynic" in a sentence?
What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing.
How do you pronounce "cynic"?
Pronounced /ˈsɪnɪk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English cynike, cynicke, from Middle French cynique, from Latin cynicus, from Ancient Greek κυνικός (kunikós), originally derived from the portico in Athens called Κυνόσαργες (Kunósarges), the earliest home of the Cynic school, later reinterpreted as being derived from κύων (kúōn, “dog”), in a contemptuous allusion to the uncouth and aggressive manners adopted by the members of the school.
Etymology 2
First used in English around 1540–50. From Latin Cynicus (cynic philosopher), from Ancient Greek Κυνικός (Kunikós, from κύων (kúōn, “dog”, see Proto-Indo-European *ḱwṓ) + -ικός (-ikós), literally “doglike, currish”). The word may have first been applied to Cynics because of the nickname κύων (kúōn, “dog”) given to Diogenes of Sinope, the prototypical Cynic.