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 attitude or beliefs of a cynic

2. a cynical action, remark, idea, etc

Cynicism

²

/ ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. the doctrines of the Cynics

Other Word Forms

• anticynicism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cynicism¹

First recorded in 1665–75; cynic + -ism

Example Sentences

Snake is a wonderfully pulpy, instantly iconic creation, an outcast adventurer reeking of sweat and post-Vietnam cynicism.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There's a new maturity to his delivery, and his credibility, as the 36-year-old resists the temptation to let emotional burnout harden into cynicism.

Read more on BBC

There is enough cynicism in the news as it is.

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It’s easy to miss the confidence of Billy Wilder or Frank Capra whenever some brave soul tries to make a comedy that takes America’s temperature by straddling cynicism and optimism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was the kind of cynicism that poses as sophistication—the belief that Benjamin Netanyahu was continuing the Gaza war for his own political purposes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bitterness 
• distrust 
• doubt 
• pessimism 
• sarcasm