How to pronounce cynical
Say it like SIN-ih-kul. Cynical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cynical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIN
- ih
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cynical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of cynical
American and British speakers say cynical in essentially the same way: /ˈsɪnɪkəl/ in the US and /ˈsɪnɪkəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SIN-ih-kul.
What does cynical mean?
- believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others
Where does cynical come from?
Originated 1542, from Classical Latin cynicus (“Cynic/cynic”, adjective) + -al.
Words that rhyme with cynical
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cynical.
Questions about saying cynical
How do you pronounce cynical?
Say SIN-ih-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪnɪkəl/. In British English it is /ˈsɪnɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cynical?
Cynical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIN). Broken into parts: SIN · ih · kul.
Do Americans and Brits say cynical the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɪnɪkəl/ and the British form is /ˈsɪnɪkəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.