Cynicism is sort of like skepticism. It does not have to be used in regards to a person. Cynicism is a general negativity whereas skepticism is a general disbelief. Example: Today the government announced a new program to end hunger. The person who hears this is cynically thinking yeah, right. (Like that could ever happen.) Example: An investor (of money) tells you give me your money and I will double it for you in 1 month. You are skeptically thinking I don’t see how that can be possible.