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
Those of us who are worried about the morality of our fellow citizens won't restore this nation's better angels by holding on to our cynicism.
—
Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
Fortunately, Swanberg’s millennial gaze never quite gives in to Gen Z cynicism, and the film sticks a satisfying landing that cements it as one of the mumblecore pioneer’s finest films.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2026
Gender Queer shows struggle without despair, confusion without cynicism, and growth without tidy conclusions.
—Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
And in a social media obsessed society often reduced to a cacophony of complaints, the back-to-back American League Cy Young award winner should be spared the cynicism that, regardless of his choice, is certain to come his way.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
Fortunately, Swanberg’s millennial gaze never quite gives in to Gen Z cynicism, and the film sticks a satisfying landing that cements it as one of the mumblecore pioneer’s finest films.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2026
Gender Queer shows struggle without despair, confusion without cynicism, and growth without tidy conclusions.
—Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026
And in a social media obsessed society often reduced to a cacophony of complaints, the back-to-back American League Cy Young award winner should be spared the cynicism that, regardless of his choice, is certain to come his way.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynicism. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cynicism
noun
cyn·i·cism
ˈsin-ə-ˌsiz-əm
: a cynical attitude or quality
also
: an expression of cynical quality
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
