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Synonyms for cynic

Grammar : Noun
Spell : sin-ik
Phonetic Transcription : ˈsɪn ɪk

Top 10 synonyms for cynic
Other synonyms for the word cynic

Définition of cynic

Origin :
  • mid-16c., in reference to the ancient philosophy, from Greek kynikos "a follower of Antisthenes," literally "dog-like," from kyon (genitive kynos) "dog" (see canine). Supposedly from the sneering sarcasm of the philosophers, but more likely from Kynosarge "Gray Dog," name of the gymnasium outside ancient Athens (for the use of those who were not pure Athenians) where the founder, Antisthenes (a pupil of Socrates), taught. Diogenes was the most famous. Popular association even in ancient times was "dog-like" (Lucian has kyniskos "a little cynic," literally "puppy"). Meaning "sneering sarcastic person" is from 1590s.
  • noun nonbeliever
Example sentences :
  • It was composed of a few overturned omnibuses; for the true Parisian is a cynic.
  • Extract from : « The Slave Of The Lamp » by Henry Seton Merriman
  • One may be a cynic; nevertheless that sort of music soon upsets one's stomach.
  • Extract from : « L'Assommoir » by Emile Zola
  • A cynic sends us a tip for the recruiting department of our army.
  • Extract from : « Punch or the London Charivari, Vol. 147, November 25, 1914 » by Various
  • In 1783 he died the death of Diogenes, minus the wit of the cynic.
  • Extract from : « The Memoires of Casanova, Complete » by Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
  • Suppose he is a cynic, it is to his interest to govern well.
  • Extract from : « The Napoleon of Notting Hill » by Gilbert K. Chesterton
  • Let no cynic obtrude other motives for that famous telegram.
  • Extract from : « The Fifth Battalion Highland Light Infantry in the War 1914-1918 » by F.L. Morrison
  • As for Langham, the cynic within him was on the point of uncontrollable laughter.
  • Extract from : « Robert Elsmere » by Mrs. Humphry Ward
  • Hence the fact, noted by a cynic, that it is the Mollycoddle who cuckolds the Red-blood.
  • Extract from : « Appearances » by Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson
  • But smileless, the cynic departed, and Flamby looked after him without regret.
  • Extract from : « The Orchard of Tears » by Sax Rohmer
  • He rarely smiled, and when he did it was the smile of the cynic and misanthrope.
  • Extract from : « The Clansman » by Thomas Dixon

Antonyms for cynic

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019