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

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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 Every line of Back curls like that: jaunty and ornate, nihilism served with a smile. — Darren Franich, EW.com, "Don't miss Back, the dark comedy of the year: Review," 19 Mar. 2021 To a large extent, Greene’s cynicism about the world—and the sufferings of humanity—came close to nihilism, or even a form of Ligotti-like anti-natal philosophy. — Scott Bradfield, The New Republic, "Graham Greene Against the World," 10 Mar. 2021 The era’s nihilism was reflected in its art, which was angrier, more confrontational, less pleasant than anything that had come before. — New York Times, "An Artist Exposing Fascism Through Provocation," 17 Feb. 2021 But Pyotr would not prevail without the nihilism of Stavrogin, a local nobleman. — Ani Kokobobo, The Conversation, "Dostoevsky warned of the strain of nihilism that infects Donald Trump and his movement," 13 Jan. 2021 In a movie that seems to insist that self-hate is just part of life, Kidman’s alluringly impulsive, tragically romantic Charlotte almost escapes that nihilism … almost. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, "Nicole Kidman’s 15 Career Golden Globe Nominations, Ranked," 25 Feb. 2021 While fashion has a looser definition of it, Olasov reminds us not to always associate existential thinking with morbidity, and not to confuse it with nihilism. — Laura Pitcher, refinery29.com, "In 2020 Fashion Became Existential — Here’s Why That’s A Good Thing," 31 Dec. 2020 In the writing process, Docter delved into research on essentialism, nihilism and existentialism to better articulate the plight of his characters. — Los Angeles Times, "How the makers of Pixar’s ‘Soul’ envisioned a before-life place that kids can grasp," 24 Dec. 2020 Vendors who deal in seasonal cheer had to make a choice this summer: proceed with business as usual, or lean into the grief, anxiety and nihilism of this year, and hopefully make people laugh in the process. — Dina Gachman, New York Times, "’Tis the Season for Toilet Paper Ornaments," 20 Oct. 2020

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.