nihilistic

[nahy-uh-lis-tik]

adjective

1. of or believing in nihilism, or the total rejection of established laws and institutions.

   An exhibition of nihilistic art—now there's an oxymoron!

2. embracing anarchy, terrorism, and destruction.

   nihilistic tactics learned in a terrorist bootcamp.

3. Philosophy.,  of or believing in an extreme form of skepticism; belief in nothingness.

Other Word Forms

• nihilistically adverb
• antinihilistic adjective
• nonnihilistic adjective
• unnihilistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nihilistic¹

nihil(ism) + -istic

Example Sentences

The FBI recently recognised a new category of threat called nihilistic violent extremism or NVE, defined by a general hostility to society and desire for chaos rather than a sharply defined ideology.

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“When we’re talking about ‘black pilled’ youth and those that are just upset with the entire system, it does make sense that you’d have someone engraving bullets with very nihilistic hubris.”

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There’s a nihilistic attitude that permeates the Republican Party these days, an apparent belief that nothing matters anymore.

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He also has a long history of advocating for universal health care, drawing a contrast with Ernst's nihilistic views.

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I have already written about the profound streak of irrational thinking and resentment, and the nihilistic urge to “burn it all down,” felt by many ordinary Americans.

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Related Words

• anarchic