cynicism

noun

cyn·​i·​cism ˈsi-nə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

Cynicism : 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

Humor is a powerful tool in combating cynicism and burnout and in developing a vision for a better world. —Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026

These attacks are designed to divide us, to turn us towards cynicism and selfishness. —Natalia Aristizabal, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026

And promoting studies lacking rigor could backfire and breed cynicism or a sense of doom, rather than care or action. —F.d. Flam, Twin Cities, 25 Dec. 2025

Those of us paying attention are, for now, stuck—bombarded with enough troubling information and allegations to assume the worst about this conspiracy, but also possessing enough earned cynicism and suspicion to assume that little will change. —Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see cynic

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cynicism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

cynicism

noun

cyn·​i·​cism ˈsin-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

: a cynical attitude or quality

also : an expression of cynical quality