cynicism

[ sin-uh-siz-uhm ]

noun

1. cynical disposition, character, or belief.
2. a cynical remark.
3. (initial capital letter) any of the doctrines or practices of the Cynics.

Cynicism

¹

/ ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. the doctrines of the Cynics

cynicism

²

/ ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. the attitude or beliefs of a cynic
2. a cynical action, remark, idea, etc

Other Words From

• anti·cyni·cism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cynicism¹

First recorded in 1665–75; cynic + -ism

Example Sentences

This election represented a chance to "move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past", she said to loud cheers.

From BBC

The former Giuliani aide also said he was shocked by the cynicism of political campaigns in the 21st century.

From Slate

In his new book ‘Hope for Cynics,’ Stanford psychology professor Jamil Zaki explains how cynicism became an American epidemic — and how to cure it.

From Los Angeles Times

But there’s a disgraceful cynicism working in this “fallacy of the excluded middle.”

From Salon

The arguments made by antiabortion states to sugarcoat their manifestly misogynistic policies have always borne the acrid odor of cynicism and hypocrisy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bitterness
• distrust
• doubt
• pessimism
• sarcasm