Military leader around US city backing sceptical commentator (5)
I believe the answer is:
cynic
'sceptical commentator' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'military leader around us city backing' is the wordplay.
'military leader' becomes 'cic' (abbreviation for commander in chief).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'us city' becomes 'ny' (short for New York).
'backing' is a reversal indicator.
'cic' going around 'ny' is 'cinyc'.
'cinyc' backwards is 'CYNIC'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cynic that I've seen before include "Doubter of others' motives" , "One who believes the worst of people" , "Someone who believes the worst of others" , "Ancient philosopher" , "One thinking the worst" .)