Which word is the opposite of cynical?

Which word is the opposite of cynical?

• A. Trusting
• B. Skeptical
• C. Wary
• D. Mistrustful

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is the opposite attitude to cynicism: believing in others' good motives. Cynical means you expect people to act out of self-interest and doubt their sincerity. The best choice expresses faith in others, so trusting fits as the opposite. The other words signal doubt, caution, or lack of trust—skeptical means doubting, wary means cautious or on guard, and mistrustful means not trusting. Trusting captures the sense of confidence in others’ motives that cynicism lacks.

The idea being tested is the opposite attitude to cynicism: believing in others' good motives. Cynical means you expect people to act out of self-interest and doubt their sincerity. The best choice expresses faith in others, so trusting fits as the opposite. The other words signal doubt, caution, or lack of trust—skeptical means doubting, wary means cautious or on guard, and mistrustful means not trusting. Trusting captures the sense of confidence in others’ motives that cynicism lacks.