cynicism

American  

[sin-uh-siz-uhm] / ˈsɪn əˌsɪz əm /

noun

1. cynical disposition, character, or belief.

2. a cynical remark.

3. (initial capital letter) any of the doctrines or practices of the Cynics.

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cynicism ¹ British  

/ ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. the attitude or beliefs of a cynic

2. a cynical action, remark, idea, etc

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Cynicism ² British  

/ ˈsɪnɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. the doctrines of the Cynics

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Other Word Forms

• anticynicism noun

Etymology

Origin of cynicism

First recorded in 1665–75; cynic + -ism

Example Sentences

For we did not foresee then a world in which trust in traditional sources of news and information would be corroded by a rising cynicism, turbo-charged by social media and, increasingly now, AI.

From BBC

The friends became co-conspirators against the prevailing cynicism of the age.

From The Wall Street Journal

Still under the influence of the propaganda she had absorbed as a child, she had not then grasped the degree of Mao’s cruelty and cynicism.

From The Wall Street Journal

But it is always best to park your cynicism at the door when approaching “Star Trek.”

From Los Angeles Times

Something as simple as telling your server, “We’re excited to be here!” can help disarm cynicism and build solidarity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bitterness
• distrust
• doubt
• pessimism
• sarcasm