cynicism
noun
cyn·i·cism
ˈsi-nə-ˌsi-zəm 
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
Once again, Adam Elliot balances deep cynicism with wonderment in the challenging and funny film, with a great many unexpected twists.
—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 July 2026
There was an element of cynicism, but not on the part of determined prosecutors who overcame obstacles and brought the case to guilty pleas by three defendants and the conviction on 21 counts of the public official who ignited the scandal.
—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2026
Some cynicism should be allowed.
—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
27 June 2026
Rohmer’s caustic cynicism Conversely, a filmmaker of the French New Wave who has seen his stock rise during the last few years is Eric Rohmer, championed by Noah Baumbach among others.
—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
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Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 July 2026
There was an element of cynicism, but not on the part of determined prosecutors who overcame obstacles and brought the case to guilty pleas by three defendants and the conviction on 21 counts of the public official who ignited the scandal.
—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2026
Some cynicism should be allowed.
—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
27 June 2026
Rohmer’s caustic cynicism Conversely, a filmmaker of the French New Wave who has seen his stock rise during the last few years is Eric Rohmer, championed by Noah Baumbach among others.
—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynicism. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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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