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

My hope is to be able to inspire them back off the brink of this sort of politics of cynicism and hate to a politics of hope and aspiration and investment in oneself and one's community. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

In addition to the changes around LGBTQ+ inclusion, 2021 restrictions on a certain traditionalist liturgy outraged a contingent of Catholics who developed a cynicism about Francis’ reforms mirroring that of the Second Vatican Council. —Liam Adams, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025

In his homily, Cantú described Francis as a beacon of hope in a time of cynicism and disillusionment. —Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025

Most of the show is set in the present, where creator Charlie Brooker's intense cynicism about humans' relationship with technology feels thoroughly earned. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 18 Apr. 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