nihilism

noun

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ni·hil·ism | \ ˈnī-(h)ə-ˌli-zəm

, ˈnē-

Definition of nihilism

1a : a viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless and useless Nihilism is a condition in which all ultimate values lose their value.— Ronald H. Nash

b : a doctrine that denies any objective ground of truth and especially of moral truths

2a : a doctrine or belief that conditions in the social organization are so bad as to make destruction desirable for its own sake independent of any constructive program or possibility

b capitalized : the program of a 19th century Russian party advocating revolutionary reform and using terrorism and assassination

Other Words from nihilism More Example Sentences Learn More About nihilism

Other Words from nihilism

nihilist \ ˈnī-(h)ə-list

, ˈnē- \ noun or adjective

nihilistic \ ˌnī-(h)ə-ˈli-stik

, ˌnē- \ adjective

Examples of nihilism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That doesn’t stop Ozark from repeatedly making the same cynical observations — cynical to the degree of empty nihilism by the end. — Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Apr. 2022 Since that record’s release, Dando has remained spacey and carefree despite the nihilism that plagued his Generation X cohort. — Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2022 The nihilism of the punk scene and the pressures of fame were too much for the gifted, groundbreaking frontwoman, the first person of color to front a punk band. — Evelyn Mcdonnell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2022 Jobu Tupaki’s physical form resembles Joy in other universes, including one in which the evil being reveals that nihilism propels her destructive plans. — Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2022 Instead of dark nihilism and rejection, the Linda Lindas turn their adolescent doubts and teenage neuroses into pop epiphanies. — Roy Trakin, Variety, 8 Apr. 2022 This vision reflects late-capitalist desperation and nihilism, a scramble to earn, however possible, at whomever’s expense, in an age of austerity and oligarchy. — New York Times, 14 Mar. 2022 Adams added that a combination of nihilism and shortening attention spans is also a factor why this generation, like those before it, sometimes skips the verification process. — Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2022 Jagger plays this as nihilism lite, but Odetta has no truck with detachment, and sings the Stones song like a mournful god giving up on a world that won’t listen. — Sasha Frere-jones, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nihilism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.