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 Some of them have become much more interested in politics in the world around them and others feel a kind of growing cynicism or kind of skepticism about the institutions around them. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Their cynicism is still there, but it’s carried by brighter melodies and a willingness to let the music speak as loudly as the message. — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026 But key voters in Pennsylvania have mixed views on whether this is a big deal or not, indicating a level of cynicism about many in the political class. — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 16 July 2026 While most sci-fi of the time was chipper and optimistic about our future, Blake’s 7 was a sci-fi show that explored themes of political dissidence, cynicism, and freedom fighting. — William Worrall, Space.com, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cynicism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynicism

Noun

Quarterback Caleb Williams tried to thread a desperation end zone throw to Burden through three defenders with three seconds on the clock.

— Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Sky hit a desperation double-stomp and the match reached a stalemate.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of desperation

Noun

The researchers also detected differences in the brain activity associated with faces showing fear versus anger or sadness.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026
Gastélum’s last posts on Instagram and TikTok have thousands of comments ranging from sadness to disbelief.

— Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of sadness

Noun

As Rhaenyra slowly descends into a pit of despair and desperation, Daemon and his armies run into some snags on their assault of Tumbleton thanks to the various tricks Lord Ormund has up his sleeves.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
There are many valid readings of this high-minded, heavy-handed modern drama of despair, desperation, love and survival instincts.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of despair

Noun

Outpouring of grief The sound of sobbing underlays chanting in dozens of dialects woven together in a single expression of sorrow for Imam Hussein and his companions and family, killed and taken captive in the defining event of Shia Islam.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026
Flitting between deadpan sorrow and impassioned romance, Bridgers’ album is alternately spooky, hilarious, mysterious and sneakily moving.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

But in recent months and years, a sense of hopelessness has increasingly gripped those still remaining on the island.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
With the current political climate, Love sees the hopelessness in the world and took it upon herself to create room for people to be a part of a community that desires to curate a safe space.

— Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Definition of hopelessness

Noun

And that pessimism creates a barrier that keeps us from reaching out more often.

— Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
With all that taken into account, there is growing pessimism at the Barcelona end over their chances of signing Alvarez by the end of the window.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of pessimism

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“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynicism. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cynicism

noun

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