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. Nashb : 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 possibilityb capitalized : the program of a 19th century Russian party advocating revolutionary reform and using terrorism and assassination
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of nihilism from the Web
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Nouveau nihilism disguised as social critique eventually finds its bottom-feeding soul.
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Colaizzo's nihilism is intended to shock and finger-wag.
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Politics tends to be a rough-and-tumble business, but this is pretty unapologetic political nihilism, plain and simple.
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VanderMeer’s undeniable skill as a writer keeps what could be an unwieldy blur of a plot from devolving into grim melodrama or atmospheric nihilism.
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Christian’s Facebook posts refer to nihilism, Hitler, ovens and killing others, including those who trod on his free-speech rights.
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But this just shows the nihilism at the heart of the GOP, the only mainstream party in the Western world that questions the science of climate change.
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ISIS is a nihilism grown out of al Qaeda's intolerance.
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This kind of political nihilism has the potential to destroy this country and severely destabilize the world.
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.
Origin and Etymology of nihilism
German Nihilismus, from Latin nihil nothing — more at nil
Other Philosophy Terms
NIHILISM Defined for English Language Learners
nihilism
playDefinition of nihilism for English Language Learners
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: the belief that traditional morals, ideas, beliefs, etc., have no worth or value
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: the belief that a society's political and social institutions are so bad that they should be destroyed
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of nihilism
2: skepticism as to the value of a drug or method of treatment
Learn More about nihilism
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See words that rhyme with nihilism Spanish Central: Translation of nihilism Nglish: Translation of nihilism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of nihilism for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nihilism
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