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

One senior government figure reflected they anticipated the speech could be greeted by a “tsunami of cynicism” given the anti politics mood of recent years and what Labour see as a catalogue of broken Conservative promises.

From BBC

“This just furthers the cynicism that people have about politics, and that cynicism strengthens Trump, because Trump can just say, ‘I’m not a unique threat.

From Los Angeles Times

In a year of global political turmoil, anti-incumbent fervor, across-the-board cynicism and the looming shadow of Donald Trump, voters in the Republic of Ireland appear to have delivered the most surprising verdict of all: No change, thanks.

From Salon

Park the cynicism and let your heart be light: Switch from Fox News and CNN to the Hallmark Channel.

From Los Angeles Times

But for those with a cynicism or tiredness for the inevitably partisan nature of Westminster, today was a day to take another look.

From BBC

Related Words

• bitterness
• distrust
• doubt
• pessimism
• sarcasm