as in desperation
cynical beliefs; beliefs that people are generally selfish and dishonest
Nothing could change her cynicism about politics.
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Recent Examples of cynicism
That’s a cultural moment of cynicism and change where institutions and icons are being questioned.
—
Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
Croatian literature, at least back then, was largely dominated by historical and war traumas, and the storytelling was often deeply mired in irony, satire, and even cynicism; oftentimes relying on shocking the reader in order to hook them or evoke emotion.
—Lidija Hilje
july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
An early scene between Lois and Clark beautifully sets up the conflict in their relationship between his positivity and sunny outlook for the world and her downright cynicism.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 July 2025
After Chin’s announcement, Allan Reiver, the late owner of the gallery and the garden, opened it to the public in what was either an act of incredible coincidence or deep cynicism.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
Croatian literature, at least back then, was largely dominated by historical and war traumas, and the storytelling was often deeply mired in irony, satire, and even cynicism; oftentimes relying on shocking the reader in order to hook them or evoke emotion.
—Lidija Hilje
july 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025
An early scene between Lois and Clark beautifully sets up the conflict in their relationship between his positivity and sunny outlook for the world and her downright cynicism.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 8 July 2025
After Chin’s announcement, Allan Reiver, the late owner of the gallery and the garden, opened it to the public in what was either an act of incredible coincidence or deep cynicism.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynicism
Noun
-
But the obvious calculation behind this move illustrated the desperation of so many anonymous black showbiz performers (such as those who were paid to promote the Kamala Harris campaign) who eagerly demonstrate an unshakeable loyalty to the post-FDR legacy of Democratic Party devotion.—
Armond White,
National Review,
25 July 2025
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Advertisement Still, that so many Democrats spent the weekend obsessing over a relatively unknown figure in Austin, who represents about 200,000 people in a deep-blue district, shows the extent of their desperation.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
21 July 2025
Noun
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In an era of headlines that often fuel despair, the Calouste Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity shines a light on solutions.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
-
The display screen on Jerry Dipoto’s iPhone can elicit in him despair or delight.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
The world moves forward, but I'm suspended in a place of sorrow and rage.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
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But the two consciously dug themselves out of sorrow and misery and eventually were able to establish a foundation in Ethan's name, Ethan's Smile, which has given scholarships to more than 80 students.—
Liz Kreutz,
NBC news,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, the intergenerational drama revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
23 July 2025
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Barely discernible in the May gloom, a glint of purple shone from the jacaranda’s canopy; nearby, seed pods dotted patches of green.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
Noun
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And yet, amid all the pessimism, one tiny group of humans has become extraordinarily valuable: Those creating AI.—
Verne Kopytoff,
Fortune,
4 July 2025
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Like the exceptionalism question, pollsters ask about optimism in different ways, and in most of them, including a new poll from Quinnipiac released last week, optimism beats pessimism.—
Karlyn Bowman,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
There was an air of melancholy from Australians in the Caribbean, with a feeling that this might be Australia’s last Test tour of the West Indies.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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The track captures a bleary feeling of trying to have fun but getting pulled into melancholy.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynicism. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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