as in desperation
cynical beliefs; beliefs that people are generally selfish and dishonest
Nothing could change her cynicism about politics.
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Recent Examples of cynicism
Gone is the cynicism that clouded the Biden era.
—
Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2025
There’s a troubling cynicism at work here, in which many alt-travel influencers are following the rightward shift of their young male audiences and creating content to placate them.
—T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
There is no place for irony or cynicism.
—Alejandro González Iñárritu, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2025
But was this cynicism not merely an excuse for a lack of resolve?
—Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Faisal J. Abbas, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2025
There’s a troubling cynicism at work here, in which many alt-travel influencers are following the rightward shift of their young male audiences and creating content to placate them.
—T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
There is no place for irony or cynicism.
—Alejandro González Iñárritu, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2025
But was this cynicism not merely an excuse for a lack of resolve?
—Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynicism
Noun
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Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing are already in celebration mode with locks into the final four, while Team Penske and Hendrick Motorsports are in full desperation mode heading into the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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In particular, Van Sant’s direction is at once intimate and explosive, framing the chaos with empathy, allowing the audience to feel the pulse of desperation behind every decision.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Regarding the Armani company, Nicolas Hieronimus, chief executive officer of L’Oréal, during a call Tuesday evening with analysts and journalists to discuss third-quarter and nine-months results reiterated sadness in the passing of Giorgio Armani, with whom the group collaborated for 40 years.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
21 Oct. 2025
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Keep in mind, sadness may not be the only emotion kids show.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Postpartum depression can cause a range of symptoms, including intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair that keeps new moms from being able to go about their daily life, per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
28 Oct. 2025
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Business leaders should take note that anxiety without agency deepens despair.—
Melissa Jun Rowley,
Rolling Stone,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Joy, love, and meaningful connections remain possible beyond the sorrow, stigma, and isolation that often accompany a diagnosis.—
Essence,
Essence,
21 Oct. 2025
-
This grim reality evokes a sense of sorrow and powerlessness among women in Paina Bujurg.—
Aishwarya S. Iyer,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Not all is doom and gloom with this astrological transit.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
14 Oct. 2025
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The weather is finally shifting to match the season, but celebrity beauty isn’t falling into the gloom.—
Essence,
Essence,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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These could include feelings of overwhelming sadness (despondence), a sense that life will never get better (hopelessness) or actual thoughts of killing themselves.—
Dr. Theresa T. Nguyen,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
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Like regular depression, SAD can cause negative feelings like hopelessness, worthlessness, irritability, and guilt; fatigue or reduced energy; a loss of interest in hobbies and activities; and even physical aches and pains (including headaches, cramps, and digestive problems).—
Maggie O'Neill,
SELF,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There was some pessimism in the air.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Oct. 2025
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Those running the bulk of today's small businesses are navigating an economy that is presenting reasons for pessimism.—
Eric Johnson,
CNBC,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The manager who is so often the picture of calm had reddened eyes, a hint of melancholy in his voice.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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The pop icon’s 12th album, released at midnight on Friday, is being hailed for the singer’s return to upbeat pop following last year’s melancholy The Tortured Poets Department, with Swift reuniting with Swedish hitmaker producers Max Martin and Shellback.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynicism. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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