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 Eric Flanagan, owner of 3 Trees Hospitality, approached the World Cup with more cynicism. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026 While etymology is often a helpful starting point in understanding a term’s meaning, the linguistic roots of ‘cynicism’ tells us surprisingly little of the philosophy itself. — Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 26 June 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynicism
  1. desperation
  2. sadness
  3. despair
  4. sorrow
  5. gloom
  6. hopelessness
  7. pessimism
  8. melancholy
Noun
  • Their desperation comes as the Venezuelan government faces mounting criticism over its response to the crisis.
    — Isa Soares, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Last week’s desperation deal for David Peterson, a one-time All-Star with the New York Mets, was only the start of a necessary overhaul.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Definition of desperation
Noun
  • Nonetheless, Simón stirs up the ineffable sadness that comes with wanting answers to the mysteries of your family — and then, like it or not, receiving them.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • There’s a frank sadness to nearly every scene, but also a tenderness and warmth between these two unlikely friends.
    — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
Definition of sadness
Noun
  • Detainees had little access to recreational activities and time outside, which mental health experts say exacerbates their despair.
    — Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 2026
  • Whether the episode amounted to anything beyond hearsay amid the ubiquitous sense of mass confusion and despair remains a question mark.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of despair
Noun
  • President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the crash and offered condolences to the victims' families.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • Croatia’s World Cup exit was not without a fight, with a last-minute, stoppage time goal that likely had fans screaming at the TV in jubilation, and then in sorrow.
    — Alex Connor, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of sorrow
Noun
  • The broader mood tracks right alongside, with 40% expecting AI to be bad for society over the next twenty years against 16% who expect good, the gloom running deepest among adults under 30, and 63% saying the whole thing is moving too fast.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The partying turned to gloom after the temblors.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
Definition of gloom
Noun
  • But where some might see hopelessness, Ortiz sees an opportunity for connection.
    — Joy Resmovits for The Trace, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • And when young people feel disconnected or believe systems are unresponsive to their daily experiences, that disconnection can deepen isolation and hopelessness.
    — Monica Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Definition of hopelessness
Noun
  • Americans are deeply divided and intensely polarized, with pessimism at or near a multidecade high.
    — Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
  • The most effective way to shift from pessimism to optimism is to stop consuming chaos passively and start creating measurable progress daily.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 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 Jul. 2026.

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