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
The first hint of the cynicism attending this lawsuit comes from where it was filed.
—
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024
Some viewers may be tempted to wonder whether Down and Kay have gone overboard on the cynicism.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 9 Aug. 2024
But Veep’s portrait of the cynicism, backbiting, horse-trading, and self-loathing of Washington seems much closer to the reality of the place, and of the moment.
—Jason Bailey, TIME, 24 July 2024
Again, such a decision would require an unusual amount of cynicism by the justices, even by the standards of this unusually cynical Supreme Court.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 22 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for cynicism 
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024
Some viewers may be tempted to wonder whether Down and Kay have gone overboard on the cynicism.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 9 Aug. 2024
But Veep’s portrait of the cynicism, backbiting, horse-trading, and self-loathing of Washington seems much closer to the reality of the place, and of the moment.
—Jason Bailey, TIME, 24 July 2024
Again, such a decision would require an unusual amount of cynicism by the justices, even by the standards of this unusually cynical Supreme Court.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 22 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for cynicism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cynicism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cynicism
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynicism. Accessed 16 Sep. 2024.
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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