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

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

From Salon

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

From Salon

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.

From Salon

The FBI case investigators, as well as law enforcement sources, characterize the 25-year-old as having “nihilistic ideations,” conclusions drawn from social media postings they link to Bartkus.

From Los Angeles Times

The FBI confirmed it was reviewing a manifesto and other content to determine whether they were the work of Guy Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old “with nihilistic ideations” who they believe was killed in the blast.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• anarchic