cynicism
noun
cyn·i·cism
ˈsi-nə-ˌsi-zəm 
1
capitalized
: the doctrine of the Cynics (see cynic sense 2)
2
: cynical attitude or quality
Nothing could change her cynicism about politics.
also
: a cynical comment or act
pungent cynicisms
Examples of cynicism in a Sentence
Nothing could change her cynicism about politics.
Recent Examples on the Web
Writing of the conditions in which both Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin arose, Arendt described a spirit of deep, corrosive cynicism and nihilistic glee at the inversion of old standards.
—
Michelle Goldberg, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025
Envy funneled into pettiness and conspiracy theories fueled through the online echo chamber of cynicism ... and perhaps an NFL broadcaster or two.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025
Emotional detachment, cynicism, or withdrawal from relationships.
—Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
The cynicism about the media and the machinations and the power the character wielded.
—Stuart Miller, Orange County Register, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
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Michelle Goldberg, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025
Envy funneled into pettiness and conspiracy theories fueled through the online echo chamber of cynicism ... and perhaps an NFL broadcaster or two.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025
Emotional detachment, cynicism, or withdrawal from relationships.
—Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
The cynicism about the media and the machinations and the power the character wielded.
—Stuart Miller, Orange County Register, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynicism. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cynicism
noun
cyn·i·cism
ˈsin-ə-ˌsiz-əm
: a cynical attitude or quality
also
: an expression of cynical quality
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