noun
- a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than acting for honorable or unselfish reasons
- a member of a school of ancient Greek philosophers who believed that virtue is the only good and that the essence of virtue is self-control
Usage: historical; philosophy
Examples
- After being betrayed by several friends, he became a cynic who trusted no one.
- The cynic dismissed the politician’s promises as empty campaign rhetoric.
- She’s such a cynic that she questions everyone’s motives.
- Don’t be such a cynic – some people really do want to help others.
- The ancient Cynics lived simple lives and rejected material possessions.
- His cynical attitude made it hard for him to form close relationships.