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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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 Townshend’s cynicism proved prescient as the generation that marched, occupied, and dropped out in the late 1960s spent the 1970s watching the New Left splinter. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 Crosland’s interpretation begins with a prologue showing the origin of Don Juan’s romantic cynicism, followed by an epic tale of lust, love, and deceit. — Air Mail, 8 Aug. 2026 That rarest work of optimism and hope in a sea of cynicism was perfect in its first season. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for cynicism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynicism

Noun

But in his desperation to find a Russian pressure point that could restart the peace process, Zelensky allowed preparations for the strikes to continue for several months this spring and early summer, both sources said.

— Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
Mac Ghlionn paints a picture of desperation whereby the 65+ cohort must work to pay the bills, but the happier reality is that this is not your grandfather's 65.

— John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of desperation

Noun

At the same time, 40% reported experiencing stress, 23% reported sadness, 22% anger and 22% loneliness.

— Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Still, there are strains of deeper sadness and discomfort here, largely in the passive-aggressive tension between Kim’s character and her onscreen mother (superbly played by a new recuit, veteran TV star Choi Myeonggil).

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of sadness

Noun

For days, Nidhi observed her for signs of secret despair but could detect none.

— Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
So, what was once a pretty harsh ride that tended to skip sideways in bumpy corners, bludgeon yours and your passenger’s spine and kidneys, and remind you what terror and despair really are, is now gone.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of despair

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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cynicism

noun

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