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

Throwing technology at problems without understanding how work gets done day-to-day is a surefire way to waste money and breed cynicism. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025

There is a bit of cynicism in online circles about Johnson readying an awards campaign after a series of blockbusters that underperformed, but that should dissolve when more people see the film. —Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025

There are no traces of guile, cynicism, arrogance or duplicity. —John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2025

That’s not just my cynicism talking. —Michael J. Petrilli, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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