cynical
/ˈsɪnɪkl/
cyn · i · cal
ˈsɪn · ɪ · kl
English Definition
adj. skeptical; distrustful; pessimistic
Significado en Español
cínico, escéptico
Nghĩa Tiếng Việt
hoài nghi, châm biếm
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Example Sentence
He had a cynical view of politics.
他对政治持愤世嫉俗的观点。
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Memory Aid / 记忆技巧
cynic (Cynic, Greek dog) + al→ cynical, selfish
Know this word? Mark it mastered, or move on.
Practice — Synonym (ISEE Verbal)
Choose the word that is most similar in meaning to “cynical”:
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A
Optimistic
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B
Skeptical
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C
Joyful
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D
Generous
Show answer
B — Skeptical.
“cynical” means adj. skeptical; distrustful; pessimistic
Practice — Sentence Completion (ISEE Verbal)
Years of broken promises had made him ______ about every politician.
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A
cynical
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B
trusting
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C
hopeful
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D
naive
Show answer
A — cynical.
“cynical” means adj. skeptical; distrustful; pessimistic
Common questions about “cynical”
What does “cynical” mean?
cynical — adj. skeptical; distrustful; pessimistic. In Chinese: 愤世嫉俗的，怀疑的.
How do you pronounce “cynical”?
cynical is pronounced /ˈsɪnɪkl/. It breaks into 3 syllables: cyn · i · cal.
How do you use “cynical” in a sentence?
He had a cynical view of politics. (他对政治持愤世嫉俗的观点。)
What are synonyms for “cynical”?
skeptical, distrustful, pessimistic — all close in meaning to cynical (adj. skeptical; distrustful; pessimistic).
Is “cynical” an ISEE Upper-level word?
Yes. cynical appears on the iSEE Vocab Upper list, which covers 804 words for the ISEE and SSAT.
How can I remember “cynical”?
cynic (Cynic, Greek dog) + al→ cynical, selfish
