CYNICISM Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

cynicism

noun

Definition of cynicism

as in desperation

cynical beliefs; beliefs that people are generally selfish and dishonest Nothing could change her cynicism about politics.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of cynicism For musical theater historians, this shift could be summarized as a handoff from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim, whose postmodern cynicism and fractured narratives better match the tenor of the times. — Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 8 July 2026 The establishment of the Hogan Institute is another sign that Americans refuse to surrender to cynicism. — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2026 Holden’s moral rigor is refreshing in a cultural moment marked by an unsettling mix of cynicism and heedlessness. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 Once again, Adam Elliot balances deep cynicism with wonderment in the challenging and funny film, with a great many unexpected twists. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cynicism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynicism

Noun

Many anecdotes are from people who tried more conventional medicine for digestive issues and, from a place of desperation, decided to look elsewhere for solutions.

— Shelby Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Moreover, the series unpacks the heartwrenching realities of social inequity and how desperation can transform into shocking acts of violence.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 July 2026

Definition of desperation

Noun

The girls spend the day together — Laura has made an entire treasure hunt to celebrate Good Eagle’s birthday — and while there are moments of joy, there’s a lot of sadness weighing down on their tiny shoulders, too.

— Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his sadness over the recent deaths in the country’s south.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

Definition of sadness

Noun

Detainees had little access to recreational activities and time outside, which mental health experts say exacerbates their despair.

— Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 2026
Whether the episode amounted to anything beyond hearsay amid the ubiquitous sense of mass confusion and despair remains a question mark.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of despair

Noun

The clouds begin to part The clouds of grief and sorrow that had enveloped Gounder with the approach of the World Cup were dispersed by the bright orange sun of a New York Knicks championship, the team’s first in 53 years.

— PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026
From shabby apartments to art experiments to filthy needles—with echoes of Patti Smith and Rebecca Makkai—Adler conjures an era of sorrow borne by too many, too young.

— Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

The broader mood tracks right alongside, with 40% expecting AI to be bad for society over the next twenty years against 16% who expect good, the gloom running deepest among adults under 30, and 63% saying the whole thing is moving too fast.

— Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
The partying turned to gloom after the temblors.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Definition of gloom

Noun

The physical and mental toll was rough—countless tests and scans, monthly (or more frequent) ER visits for severe flares, mental breakdowns, anxiety, fear, panic, depression, insecurity, doubt, and hopelessness.

— Shannon Dingey, Health, 1 July 2026
But where some might see hopelessness, Ortiz sees an opportunity for connection.

— Joy Resmovits for The Trace, CBS News, 23 June 2026

Definition of hopelessness

Noun

Economists warn that higher prices on recreational activities — whether in or out of the home — can further intensify the average Joe's economic pessimism.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 11 July 2026
Leaders see Gen Z’s pessimism about their future, Millennials’ desire to work for companies that share their values, and consumers’ demand for authenticity and proof that a company is walking the walk.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 July 2026

Definition of pessimism

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“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynicism. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of cynicism

noun

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