as in desperation
cynical beliefs; beliefs that people are generally selfish and dishonest
Nothing could change her cynicism about politics.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cynicism
Unlike the fresh vision of immigrant heritage in Hwang’s early, most affecting play, The Dance and the Railroad (1981), he now — at age 67 — twists that insight in a manner that fools Millennial audiences and the Broadway and television elite into feeling smart about their political cynicism.
—
Armond White, National Review, 21 May 2025
From start to finish, Magic Mike XXL is an absolute joy—a film that boldly rejects toxic masculinity, that isn’t driven by rivalries or alpha dynamics or cynicism, that features men who build each other up, who cry together, who admit fears, who help each other accomplish their goals.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
The movie at times borders on cynicism, and working as matchmaker could make anyone jaded.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 6 May 2025
This all only leads to more cynicism by the public.
—Bradley Tusk, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Armond White, National Review, 21 May 2025
From start to finish, Magic Mike XXL is an absolute joy—a film that boldly rejects toxic masculinity, that isn’t driven by rivalries or alpha dynamics or cynicism, that features men who build each other up, who cry together, who admit fears, who help each other accomplish their goals.
—Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
The movie at times borders on cynicism, and working as matchmaker could make anyone jaded.
—Eliana Dockterman, Time, 6 May 2025
This all only leads to more cynicism by the public.
—Bradley Tusk, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynicism
Noun
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Though the film doesn’t have an outwardly strong political message, it’s set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, adding an extra layer of desperation to O’Connor’s character.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
23 May 2025
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And to think, that breakout had come entirely out of desperation for pitching depth.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
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But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
1 June 2025
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Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties are now symbols of neglect, where economic despair has replaced the industrious and seemingly indomitable spirit that had once defined them.—
Daniel A.C. McBride,
Baltimore Sun,
1 June 2025
Noun
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Long time residents throughout the Bay Area and beyond will recall the shock and sorrow of Nov. 27, 1978, when White walked into City Hall and shot Milk and Moscone.—
Georgia Rowe,
Mercury News,
28 May 2025
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In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
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Boomer Blockade Despite the doom and gloom news cycle.—
Kian Bakhtiari,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
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Understandably, media companies don’t want to scare advertisers with lots of doom and gloom.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
20 May 2025
Noun
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The scale of pessimism echoed an annual survey of U.S. companies in China released in late January that showed a record share of American businesses were accelerating plans to relocate manufacturing or sourcing.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
28 May 2025
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Several factors contribute to our current pessimism regarding the stock.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
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This tale of the power of community spirit in difficult times, interwoven with a fine strand of melancholy, is as disarming and subtly engaging as the director’s unshakeable faith in human decency.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
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The production gives it a lush feel, but it’s haunted by a certain melancholy.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynicism. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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