cynic
Distrustful of others
A cynic believes people act from self-interest and distrusts claims of altruism or sincerity.
The attitude ranges from healthy skepticism to corrosive distrust: Don't be such a cynic—she might actually want to help.
Cynical describes the outlook; cynicism names it.
A cynic sees the price of everything and the value of nothing.
One who disbelieves
- questionerOne who poses inquiries
- disbelieverOne who denies truth
- skepticOne who doubts claims
- naysayerHabitual dissenter
critic · scoffer · debunker · contrarian · faultfinder · detractor · pessimist · misanthrope
Founder of Cynicism
- StoicismVirtue-centered ancient philosophy
- SocraticRelating to elenctic inquiry
- asceticismSevere self-denial practice
- virtueMoral goodness or merit
ethics · self-sufficiency · austerity · nature · simplicity · rejection · poverty · wisdom
Irony used to mock
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- witClever, inventive humor
- ridiculeContemptuous mocking treatment
scorn · contempt · derision · sneer · barb · quip · sardonic · caustic
Sense of unease about motives
- mistrustLack of faith
- warinessCautious distrust
- doubtLack of firm belief
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
incredulity · caution · misgiving · guardedness · jaundiced · leery · wary · distrustful
Loss of cherished belief
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- disaffectionLoss of loyalty
- alienationState of being isolated
jadedness · world-weariness · burnout · disillusion · loss · betrayal · letdown · broken
doubter
One who disbelieves
- questionerOne who poses inquiries
- disbelieverOne who denies truth
- skepticOne who doubts claims
naysayer · critic · scoffer · debunker · contrarian · faultfinder · detractor · pessimist · misanthrope · mocker
Diogenes
Founder of Cynicism
- StoicismVirtue-centered ancient philosophy
- SocraticRelating to elenctic inquiry
- asceticismSevere self-denial practice
virtue · ethics · self-sufficiency · austerity · nature · simplicity · rejection · poverty · wisdom · Athens
sarcasm
Irony used to mock
ridicule · scorn · contempt · derision · sneer · barb · quip · sardonic · caustic · acerbic
suspicion
Sense of unease about motives
disbelief · incredulity · caution · misgiving · guardedness · jaundiced · leery · wary · distrustful · cagey
disenchantment
Loss of cherished belief
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- disaffectionLoss of loyalty
alienation · jadedness · world-weariness · burnout · disillusion · loss · betrayal · letdown · broken · disillusioned
- personalitiesintrovert, optimist, extrovert, pessimist, idealist
- social typesnormie, jock, hippie, goth, diva
- soft ccell, celery, cent, center, central
- thinkersthinkers, thinker, philosophers, philosopher, Aristotle
- archetypeshero, villain, trickster, mentor, mother
- Complainerscomplainers, whiners, grumblers, gripers, moaners
cynicidealist
Pursuer of noble principles
believer · Pollyanna · sentimentalist · true believer · romantic
- cynical humorJokes expressing distrust