C1adverbformalpsychologysociety
US/ˈsɪn.ɪ.kəl.i/
UK/ˈsɪn.ɪ.kəl.i/
in a way that shows you believe people only act for selfish reasons
In context
"He only gave to charity for the publicity," she said cynically.
The company cynically used the disaster to sell more products.
Voters cynically assume that every promise is just a way to win votes.
Words that go with cynically
verb + adverb
- smile cynicallyHe smiled cynically when they promised lower prices.
- laugh cynicallyShe laughed cynically at the idea of fair elections.
adverb + verb
- cynically exploitThe advertisers cynically exploit people's fears.
- cynically manipulateSome leaders cynically manipulate public opinion.
- cynically remark"Everyone has a price," he cynically remarked.
adverb + adjective
- cynically timedThe announcement was cynically timed to distract from bad news.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He looked at me cynical.Correct: He looked at me cynically.