[ Sceptic / cynic ]

A thesaurus I checked showed that the words sceptic and cynic are synonyms.  I’m not sure I agree that they are the same.

Both words describe someone who questions what they are hearing, perhaps putting up arguments against it.

But I think a person can be a sceptic without being a cynic.   A sceptic is inquisitive, and curious, leaning towards seeking more information.  Other descriptions include utilising suspended judgement, or systematic investigation.

A cynic has gone beyond questioning, leaning quickly towards negativity, distrust, and questioning motives. 

We should be able to be sceptical without being categorised automatically as a cynic.