a systematic philosophy, dating from around 300 b.c., that held the principles of logical thought to reflect a cosmic reason instantiated in nature.
(lowercase) conduct conforming to the precepts of the Stoics, as repression of emotion and indifference to pleasure or pain.
indifference to pleasure and pain
(capital) the philosophy of the Stoics
See patience.
If you rarely show emotion or feeling, that’s stoicism. Your stoicism helps you endure physical or emotional discomfort without complaint, a helpful trait for long car trips with annoying people. The noun stoicism, pronounced "STOW-ih-siz-um," comes from Stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophical school, which taught that reason could overcome destructive emotions for a more virtuous life. Having great control over one’s emotions and responding calmly to misfortune are the marks of stoicism. If you take the good and the bad in stride without drama of any kind, your stoicism is admirable.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It might be her most personal yet, finding inspiration in a philosophy she uses to sustain her spirit: Stoicism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 30, 2026
The philosophic movements that emerged soon after Diogenes’ time, Stoicism and Epicureanism, aimed to help adherents overcome the fear of death.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 17, 2025
He urged Bhogal to schedule group video calls to discuss rationalism, Stoicism and effective altruism.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 14, 2024
But what is the enduring significance of authenticity, resistance to conformity, and the confluence of Stoicism and punk, especially in the life of old man Lydon?
From Salon ● Jan. 30, 2024
With the Renaissance revival of Stoicism the word ‘philosophical’ acquired a new meaning: philosophers, it was held, were able to moderate their passions and to be unmoved by the blows of fortune.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
Still, she took on her duties with stoicism.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
"There's a certain amount of stoicism," he says.
From BBC ● Feb. 28, 2026
Some former employees thought he acted like a Vulcan, the “Star Trek” humanoids known for their stoicism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026
I’m usually a loyalist to the cornmeal-swirled muffin — I love that little grainy grit, the way it reins in lush summer fruit with a bit of prairie stoicism.
From Salon ● Dec. 16, 2025
The flat stoicism of her earlier utterances disappears and Mrs. Dannenberg grounds her forehead into the palm of her hand.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
