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

Cynicism has grown and trust in politicians has plunged. — ABC News, 23 June 2026

He was impressed by the novel’s noirish atmosphere, its deadpan approach to the fantastical conceit, and its wit, which stopped short of cynicism. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

Yet burnout is associated with emotional exhaustion, cynicism, reduced motivation, sleep problems, and decreased enjoyment of previously pleasurable activities. — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Cynicism shot through me for a second. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 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