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Definition of Cynic
1. Noun. Someone who is critical of the motives of others.
Exact synonyms: Faultfinder
Generic synonyms: Disagreeable Person, Unpleasant Person
Specialized synonyms: Depreciator, Detractor, Disparager, Knocker
Derivative terms: Cynical, Find Fault
Generic synonyms: Disagreeable Person, Unpleasant Person
Specialized synonyms: Depreciator, Detractor, Disparager, Knocker
Derivative terms: Cynical, Find Fault
2. Noun. A member of a group of ancient Greek philosophers who advocated the doctrine that virtue is the only good and that the essence of virtue is self-control.
Generic synonyms: Philosopher
Definition of Cynic
1. a. Having the qualities of a surly dog; snarling; captious; currish.
2. n. One of a sect or school of philosophers founded by Antisthenes, and of whom Diogenes was a disciple. The first Cynics were noted for austere lives and their scorn for social customs and current philosophical opinions. Hence the term Cynic symbolized, in the popular judgment, moroseness, and contempt for the views of others.
Definition of Cynic
1. a cynical person [n -S]
Medical Definition of Cynic
1. Doglike, denoting a spasm of the muscles of the face as in risus caninus. Origin: G. Kynikos, doglike (05 Mar 2000)