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
Unable to overcome various hurdles for six heartbreaking decades, scar tissue and a collective cynicism subsist.
—
Tim Graham, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
He is self-contained, bookish, innocent despite his cynicism — and as such stories often go, disappointment and bitterness probably await.
—Zachary Lazar, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
But they must not, in the course of their ordeal, be encouraged to adopt the kind of cynicism, the kind of despair, the kind of iconoclasm that is urged upon them by Mr. Baldwin in his recent works.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
For Åhlund, the through-line for B-Reel’s output is a lack of cynicism.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cynicism 
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Tim Graham, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
He is self-contained, bookish, innocent despite his cynicism — and as such stories often go, disappointment and bitterness probably await.
—Zachary Lazar, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
But they must not, in the course of their ordeal, be encouraged to adopt the kind of cynicism, the kind of despair, the kind of iconoclasm that is urged upon them by Mr. Baldwin in his recent works.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
For Åhlund, the through-line for B-Reel’s output is a lack of cynicism.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025
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 22 Feb. 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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