Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!) Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about Cynic (AI summary)

The term "cynic" in literature is a flexible label that straddles the line between a philosophical designation and a broader social epithet. In some writings it specifically alludes to the ancient school of Cynicism, evoking figures like Diogenes or Crates and their austere, ascetic lifestyles ([1], [2], [3]), while in other contexts it is employed to denote a skeptical or misanthropic attitude towards societal norms ([4], [5], [6]). Authors have used the word to both characterize individuals with profound philosophical insights and to cast a disparaging light on those whose relentless criticism and sardonic humor border on bitterness ([7], [8], [9]). This versatility enriches its use in narrative and poetic discourse, making "cynic" a term that carries both historical weight and contemporary resonance ([10], [11], [12]).
  1. A pupil of Socrates and founder of the Cynic sect.
    — from The Works of the Emperor Julian, Vol. 2 by Emperor of Rome Julian
  2. He went to Athens and became a philosopher of the Cynic school, which see, as a disciple of Antisthenes.
    — from The Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 04 by of Samosata Lucian
  3. Murdered 353 B.C. Diogenes, the Cynic, born about 412 B.C., renowned for his rudeness and hardihood.
    — from Meditations by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius
  4. Still, it's hard to be made a cynic at twenty.”
    — from This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  5. "Everybody is selfish," returned the young cynic.
    — from Trading by Susan Warner
  6. He said, smiling: "You're a dreadful little cynic!"
    — from Tatterdemalion by John Galsworthy
  7. " "Ah! what a cynic you are!" cried the old lady, pushing back her chair and nodding to Lady Ruxton.
    — from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
  8. The scholar, without good breeding, is a pedant; the philosopher, a cynic; the soldier, a brute; and every man disagreeable.”
    — from The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness by Cecil B. Hartley
  9. The objections to this saying of Monimus the Cynic are obvious.
    — from The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius
  10. And now let us consider the Cynic philosophy.)
    — from The Works of the Emperor Julian, Vol. 2 by Emperor of Rome Julian
  11. [person who doubts] doubter, skeptic, cynic.; unbeliever &c. 487.
    — from Roget's Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget
  12. unbeliever, skeptic, cynic; misbeliever.1, pyrrhonist; heretic &c. (heterodox) 984.
    — from Roget's Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux