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
This cynicism about the whole thing.
—
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
The first Scream skewered Hollywood cynicism.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
Paul had no patience for cynicism masquerading as wisdom.
—Chelsea Clinton, Vanity Fair, 24 Feb. 2026
Trump owes at least some of his appeal to that cynicism.
—David French, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
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Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
The first Scream skewered Hollywood cynicism.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
Paul had no patience for cynicism masquerading as wisdom.
—Chelsea Clinton, Vanity Fair, 24 Feb. 2026
Trump owes at least some of his appeal to that cynicism.
—David French, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynicism. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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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