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

The corruption, too, has come to be normalized, along with the public cynicism that accompanies it. —Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2026

The plot seems simple, but every glare and sigh tells a whole story about modernization, capitulation, cynicism and violence. —Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026

Leeds already had a name for physicality and cynicism — Revie’s players were some of the first to take the ball to the corner flag to waste time. —Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 May 2026

But consumer cynicism seems to have spread anyway, and the allegations have added to a sense that even supposedly ethical brands can’t be trusted. —Elizabeth Cline, The Atlantic, 19 May 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