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

Deficient implementation creates cynicism, which tends to decrease trust in leadership. —Ryan Lahti, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

The episode also concludes the series itself, which routinely bounced between toe-curling raunch and a fierce sentimentality that sometimes clashed with its trademark cynicism. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 5 May 2025

There’s a distinction between grappling with reality, however, and indulging unduly in cynicism. —Thomas Drance, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

Among many other cures, Bay Area Dance Week offers an antidote to cynicism by spreading an international array of dance traditions and practices across at least five of the Bay Area’s nine counties. —Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 24 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