cynicism

noun

cyn·​i·​cism ˈsi-nə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce cynicism (audio)
Synonyms of cynicism
1
Cynicism : 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
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.
When truth stalls, systems fill with speculation and cynicism. — Melissa Daimler, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Cole’s Tyler acts practically while collapsing into a black hole of cynicism. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 But Roy’s story of Annie (Arjun Raina), a New Delhi architecture student caught in a vicious cycle of failing and repeating his studies, gradually reveals itself as a sharp and poignant portrayal of youth, deftly poised between hope and cynicism. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026 Mitchell’s own imitation of Spielbergian life, despite its meticulous re-creation (and gleeful destruction) of eighties suburbia, stumbles into an uncanny valley between sincerity and cynicism, between unintentional comedy and deliberate homage. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cynicism

Word History

Etymology

see cynic

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cynicism was in 1606

Rhymes for cynicism

See All Rhymes for cynicism

Browse Nearby Words

cynically
cynicism
cynic spasm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynicism. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cynicism

noun
cyn·​i·​cism ˈsin-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce cynicism (audio)
: a cynical attitude or quality
also : an expression of cynical quality

More from Merriam-Webster on cynicism

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cynicism

Nglish: Translation of cynicism for Spanish Speakers

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