Believing or showing the belief that people are motivated chiefly by base or selfish concerns; skeptical of the motives of others: a cynical dismissal of the politician's promise to reform the campaign finance system.
Selfishly or callously calculating: showed a cynical disregard for the safety of his troops in his efforts to advance his reputation.
Negative or pessimistic, as from world-weariness: a cynical view of the average voter's intelligence.
Expressing jaded or scornful skepticism or negativity: cynical laughter.