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
Now it’s lost two members to defections, which Democrats argue only leads to more voter cynicism.
—
Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025
Iannucci comes honestly to his cynicism about those in power.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
Yet, there’s this creeping cynicism after things like the January 6th attack.
—Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025
Along the way, Elwood’s sense of political activism clashes with Turner’s cynicism and smaller, less hopeful worldview.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cynicism 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025
Iannucci comes honestly to his cynicism about those in power.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
Yet, there’s this creeping cynicism after things like the January 6th attack.
—Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025
Along the way, Elwood’s sense of political activism clashes with Turner’s cynicism and smaller, less hopeful worldview.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 1 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 21 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share