as in desperation
cynical beliefs; beliefs that people are generally selfish and dishonest
Nothing could change her cynicism about politics.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of cynicism
Next to them the cynicism and dishonesty of Alan Simpson will be placed in sharp contrast.
—
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
The lingering magic of Johnson’s adaptation is located in how the director — along with co-writer Stephen Cooney — insist upon seeing the positive in the possibility of re-casting oneself, which marks a sharp break from the unalloyed cynicism of Westlake’s novel.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025
Tangible proof erodes cynicism and generates momentum.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The film offers a unique perspective on Haiti’s ongoing security challenges by drawing from its vexing reality: political and police corruption, foreign election interference, colorism, homophobia and the cynicism of those who are vying for political power.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
The lingering magic of Johnson’s adaptation is located in how the director — along with co-writer Stephen Cooney — insist upon seeing the positive in the possibility of re-casting oneself, which marks a sharp break from the unalloyed cynicism of Westlake’s novel.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Mar. 2025
Tangible proof erodes cynicism and generates momentum.
—Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The film offers a unique perspective on Haiti’s ongoing security challenges by drawing from its vexing reality: political and police corruption, foreign election interference, colorism, homophobia and the cynicism of those who are vying for political power.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynicism
Noun
-
Their primary motivation for entering tentative talks over Gomez was desperation, due to their need to comply with the Premier League’s PSR by June 30.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
-
The White House has responded with a series of stunts — a live presidential endorsement on the South Lawn, the commerce secretary shilling for Tesla stock on Fox News, the FBI threatening vandals with terrorism charges — that all smack of desperation.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Joe, a firefighter in real life, happily obliged but was no longer on the same tribe as Eva at her moment of despair.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
As the team left last weekend, there wasn’t a sense of despair.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Tomorrow is the day this profound sorrow renews my motivation.—
Bluesky Social,
Bluesky Social,
31 Mar. 2025
-
The book, which spans the twenty-odd years of Mii’s life, describes the daily joys and intimacies of having a pet, the difficulties that come with an aging cat, and the sorrows of outliving one’s animal companion.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Others predicted the federal government will remain a major employer locally and cautioned against premature doom and gloom.—
Jonathan Shorman and,
Kansas City Star,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Shear acquits himself well with Sam’s starstruck regard of this famous and beautiful creature who’s inexplicably taken an interest in him, and then with his gloom when things go sour.—
Angie Han,
The Hollywood Reporter,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Lack of political vision Yet a majority of Israelis voice pessimism about the economy, according to a March 9 survey published by the Israel Democracy Institute.—
Shoshanna Solomon,
Christian Science Monitor,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Executive Summary Amid rising investor pessimism, this article contends that market fears may be overstated.—
Joel Shulman,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Watching Thief, yes, we’re naturally mesmerized by its nocturnal compositions, its lovely sense of melancholy, its almost abstract robbery sequences filled with sparks and flames bursting off steel vaults.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Japanese Breakfast's Michelle Zauner embraces melancholy in new album The music of the indie rock band Japanese Breakfast is suffused with longing.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
22 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynicism. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share