/ Dictionary / Index C cynical: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: cyn•i•cal Pronunciation: (sin'i-kul), [key] — adj. like or characteristic of a cynic; distrusting or disparaging the motives of others. showing contempt for accepted standards of honesty or morality by one's actions, esp. by actions that exploit the scruples of others. bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic. (cap.) cynic (def. 5). Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. See also: cynical (Thesaurus) cynic cynicism Related Content Daily Word Quiz: arid Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language