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 cynicism and paranoia of the '70s are ever-present, exploring America's moral decay amid troubled times. —Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026

Nothing breeds cynicism like fake consultation. —Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Heastie is doing a disservice to New Yorkers and fostering cynicism about what goes on in Albany. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026

Still, in our age of political cynicism, sports and literature may be the last two places in our culture in which the American myths feel truthful. —Sam Evan Sussman, Vogue, 10 June 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