half-cynical

Does the President understand that compromising with cynics can lead to a half-cynical outcome?

RJ Eskow: Base to Obama: Come In, Please 2009

The most shameless greed, the most sickening industrial atrocities, the most appalling public scandals are exposed, but a half-cynical and wholly indifferent public passes them by with hardly a shrug of the shoulders; and they are lost in the medley of events.

The Nine Stages Of Civilization / We're In The Seventh ~ Apathy 2009

Henry provides some helpful "Honeymooners" analysis ( "Gleason ... had rooted the Kramden character ... in his own half-cynical, half-slushy view of life"), but his reporting on the business aspects of Gleason's career is even better.

The Haunted Honeymooner 2008

The most shameless greed, the most sickening industrial atrocities, the most appalling public scandals are exposed, but a half-cynical and wholly indifferent public passes them by with hardly a shrug of the shoulders; and they are lost in the medley of events.

THE GREAT AMERICAN SIN IS APATHY 2007

Maddelena, rather coarse and hard and repellent, declaiming her words in a loud, half-cynical voice, falling on the breast of the

Twilight in Italy 2003

With a half-cynical smile, Lorn looks at the glass, then concentrates on Maran.

The Magi'i Of Cyador Modesitt, L. E. 2000

He stood for a moment gazing into vacancy with a half-tender, half-cynical smile on his lips.

The Making of a Soul Kathlyn Rhodes

Courtland's spine as he watched, his habitual half-cynical smile of amusement still lying unconsciously about his lips, while a new respect for the country student was being born in his heart.

The Witness Grace Livingston Hill Lutz

He spoke in his old half-sarcastic, half-cynical way, but a feeble, gasping voice, that made an effect of contrast, as of the tragic face espied behind the grinning mask.

My Little Lady Eleanor Frances Poynter

Even Billy's sense of humor was unstirred by the half-cynical sympathy of the night-clerk's gaze; Billy didn't feel a laugh anywhere within him.

The Palace of Darkened Windows Mary Hastings Bradley