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
Naturally, the media hyped the event as Bart versus Bill, a showdown between one show’s wholesome family values and the other’s brash, boorish cynicism — the aspirational ’80s facing off against the anarchic ’90s.
—
Darryn King, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024
The denial of life, as Havel understood it, can come about not only through accomodation—as a reasonable trade-off for more comfort—but as a result of cynicism, a feeling that nothing is worth sacrificing for.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024
All of this said, those of us who are clear-eyed about the hurdles to truly tackling the federal budget shouldn’t succumb to cynicism.
—The Editors, National Review, 9 Dec. 2024
Many operate from a frame of disbelief and cynicism, and not entirely without reason.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cynicism 
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Darryn King, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2024
The denial of life, as Havel understood it, can come about not only through accomodation—as a reasonable trade-off for more comfort—but as a result of cynicism, a feeling that nothing is worth sacrificing for.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 13 Dec. 2024
All of this said, those of us who are clear-eyed about the hurdles to truly tackling the federal budget shouldn’t succumb to cynicism.
—The Editors, National Review, 9 Dec. 2024
Many operate from a frame of disbelief and cynicism, and not entirely without reason.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cynicism
Dictionary Entries Near cynicism
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynicism. Accessed 5 Jan. 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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