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
What that cynicism means in practice: an emphasis on work-life balance.
—
Chloe Berger, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024
The very cynicism Rose is peddling from under his all-white Reds hat is partially a product of his own malfeasance.
—Corbin Smith, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2024
There is only a loss of innocence, a summer of purgatory and the sad cynicism surrounding a man previously known in Japan as, kanpeki na hito.
—Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024
Readers, too, might have struggled against cynicism.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024
Pavement’s signature ‘90s slacker cynicism about the music industry came through most clearly on their biggest hit, shortly after Matador Records risked its indie cred to sign a partnership with major label Atlantic.
—Al Shipley, SPIN, 20 Feb. 2024
That tactic — special interests protecting their interests by attacking other special interests — may reek of off-the-charts cynicism.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024
Rosanne Barr: San Diego Padres vs. Cincinatti Reds 1990
One year before Houston's last gasp of unbridled patriotism, the sports world caught a glimpse of the coming wave of cynicism that would define the 1990's.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024
Yet this act of cynicism was also, perhaps, a political gift to Biden.
—Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024
Chloe Berger, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024
The very cynicism Rose is peddling from under his all-white Reds hat is partially a product of his own malfeasance.
—Corbin Smith, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2024
There is only a loss of innocence, a summer of purgatory and the sad cynicism surrounding a man previously known in Japan as, kanpeki na hito.
—Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024
Readers, too, might have struggled against cynicism.
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024
Pavement’s signature ‘90s slacker cynicism about the music industry came through most clearly on their biggest hit, shortly after Matador Records risked its indie cred to sign a partnership with major label Atlantic.
—Al Shipley, SPIN, 20 Feb. 2024
That tactic — special interests protecting their interests by attacking other special interests — may reek of off-the-charts cynicism.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024
Rosanne Barr: San Diego Padres vs. Cincinatti Reds 1990
One year before Houston's last gasp of unbridled patriotism, the sports world caught a glimpse of the coming wave of cynicism that would define the 1990's.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024
Yet this act of cynicism was also, perhaps, a political gift to Biden.
—Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024
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 18 Apr. 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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