🇬🇧 Cynical meaning: English Vocabulary Flash Card

If someone is cynical, it means they don’t really believe people are being kind or honest; they think people only do nice things to get something for themselves, like a reward, attention, or to look good.

My cynical cat only sits on my lap when I open a can of tuna, then immediately unsubscribes from my feelings.

The cynical princess heard “true love’s kiss” and said, “He probably just wants half the kingdom and the wi-fi password.”

The cynical squirrel buried his nuts and then moved them, saying, “I don’t trust future-me not to steal them.”

A cynical snowman watched the weather forecast and groaned, “They say ‘sunny and warm’ like it’s good news.”

When the principal announced “Free pizza day,” the cynical student checked the calendar for April Fool’s Day three times.

Anna watched a man hand a toy to a child on the bus. She felt cynical; every move looked staged. Her cynical friend, always cynical, whispered, "He wants a photo." Anna gave a cynical smile and a small nod. The child hugged the toy. Anna felt less cynical, then smiled for real.

This word is at the C1 level, which means it’s part of advanced English. It’s used in sophisticated conversations, professional settings, and academic discussions. Words at this level help you express yourself fluently and precisely in nuanced situations.

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