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

Oliver believes that battle is a product of the cynicism that exists in society. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

The 2010 film’s success is often attributed to the chocolate-and-peanut butter-like pairing of Sorkin’s earnest optimism and Fincher’s clinical cynicism. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026

Whatever higher purpose goes along with espionage work tends to be lost in the gamesmanship and cynicism that seems to come with the territory. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026

The Italian coda is sweet, allowing Pariser to redeem the concept of love from the cynicism of a world wary of romance. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see cynic

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cynicism

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

Kids Definition

cynicism

noun

cyn·​i·​cism ˈsin-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

: a cynical attitude or quality

also : an expression of cynical quality