nihilism

noun

ni·hil·ism | \ ˈnī-(h)ə-ˌli-zəm

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 Their gunmetal sorrow was reflective of the times: the general creep of Patriot Act paranoia plus Forever War nihilism. — Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 15 June 2022 But there is also just an overwhelming sense of nihilism. — Elle Reeve, CNN, 20 May 2022 Epistemic humility, though, is distinct from epistemic nihilism. — Idrees Kahloon, The New Yorker, 16 May 2022 Yet the despotism and nihilism of Marxism, Stalin’s cause, is ultimately indistinguishable from the power outlook at the heart of Putinism. — Bartle Bull, WSJ, 4 May 2022 The multiverse is a fascinating idea to daydream about — and, along with simulation theory, may be on track to become something like an agnostic, nihilism-friendly new religion. — John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 May 2022 Daggett argues that as the old order—the family where dad ruled uncontested, fossil fuels, perhaps even American dominance—slips out of reach, some will fight it with a violent nihilism. — Liza Featherstone, The New Republic, 11 Apr. 2022 She’s a practicing Catholic, but with some nihilism thrown in. — Brock Colyar, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2021 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 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.