cynicism
noun
cyn·i·cism
ˈsi-nə-ˌsi-zəm 
1
capitalized
: the doctrine of the Cynics (see cynic sense 2)
2
: cynical attitude or quality
Nothing could change her cynicism about politics.
also
: a cynical comment or act
pungent cynicisms
Examples of cynicism in a Sentence
Nothing could change her cynicism about politics.
Recent Examples on the Web
Fueled by disinformation and sheer cynicism, Trump’s belief that the 2020 election was stolen simply has no basis in fact.
—
Philip Elliott, TIME, 9 Oct. 2024
This cynicism poses a serious risk to future disaster responses, as fewer people may step forward to help when it’s needed most.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Dan knows the game and plays it with a genial cynicism.
—Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2024
Linton, meanwhile, looks back on it all with cynicism.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cynicism 
Philip Elliott, TIME, 9 Oct. 2024
This cynicism poses a serious risk to future disaster responses, as fewer people may step forward to help when it’s needed most.
—Lars Daniel, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024
Dan knows the game and plays it with a genial cynicism.
—Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2024
Linton, meanwhile, looks back on it all with cynicism.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cynicism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cynicism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cynicism
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynicism. Accessed 19 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cynicism
noun
cyn·i·cism
ˈsin-ə-ˌsiz-əm
: a cynical attitude or quality
also
: an expression of cynical quality
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