cynicism

noun

Definition of cynicismnext
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 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 The timing of Infantino’s comments, though, will attract cynicism. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 July 2026 This cynicism was a common thread in the reviews with entertainment journalists noting that the remake was released soon after the original in order to squeeze yet more money out of the movie which had already spawned a successful sequel in 2024. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Patriotism rooted in one or the other can curdle into cynicism or nihilism when confronted with evidence that confounds them. — Mark Brilliant, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynicism
  1. desperation
  2. sadness
  3. despair
  4. sorrow
  5. gloom
  6. hopelessness
  7. pessimism
  8. melancholy
Noun
  • Driven by desperation, the migrants are gambling that the consequences of getting caught in Canada will outweigh the risks of remaining in the United States, the Mounties and human rights officials said.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • The mystery character, played by Sadie Sink, is also dealing with her own demons of loss and fatalistic desperation.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of desperation
Noun
  • Her sadness and traumatic experiences, such as the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller in 2018, have become intertwined with her career.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026
  • Compared to individual contributors, leaders were substantially more likely–by seven percentage points–to report experiencing a lot of stress, anger (+12 points), sadness (+11 points) and loneliness (+10 points) the previous day.
    — Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of sadness
Noun
  • His sister died in early 2019, and his mom had died a few years prior, and most posts are tributes to them, or raw expressions of despair.
    — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In despair, reportedly at least 20 students committed suicide.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of despair
Noun
  • Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life.
    — Riaz Khan, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • President and prime minister offer condolences Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of sorrow
Noun
  • Having escaped from the gloom of his house for a while, Shoichiro breathed a sigh of relief.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The sheer vocal power Grande calls from somewhere in her fragile-looking body lifts the gloom and lets the sunshine in.
    — Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of gloom
Noun
  • 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
  • Surveys indicate that young women are experiencing their highest rates of hopelessness on record.
    — Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026
Definition of hopelessness
Noun
  • Brookfield bought Westinghouse when the company was associated with bankruptcy, construction overruns, and nuclear pessimism.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Oil hit $100 a barrel and Magnificent 7 stocks shed nearly $800 billion in market value on Thursday, as pessimism over steep AI spending and the Iran war dragged down global markets.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of pessimism
Noun
  • Beneath all the sensuality and beauty, there’s also a lingering melancholy that feels very familiar to me.
    — Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 16 June 2026
  • Don Hertzfeldt occasionally comes to mind for a similarly pervasive mood of questioning, philosophical melancholy.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 12 June 2026
Definition of melancholy

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Cite this Entry

“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynicism. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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