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

And with that notion, Anderson brushes aside the remaining traces of Gen X cynicism he’s largely left behind and resets the stage for the next battle. —Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025

Sudden cynicism, withdrawal from optional projects, or reluctance to celebrate wins often signal that ambition is running on fumes. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Excuse the cynicism, but this is the sort of combination of touchy-feely button-pushing and self-conscious peculiarity that’s meant to seem significant and profound that will bring out your inner rom-com Grinch. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025

Either way, those quotation marks are the first signs of a cynicism that pervades Reza’s project, now expanding to enshroud this whole production. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 17 Sep. 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