as in desperation
cynical beliefs; beliefs that people are generally selfish and dishonest
Nothing could change her cynicism about politics.
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Recent Examples of cynicism
At a time when trust in institutions is at an all-time low, this kind of policy only deepens the cynicism.
—
Angelette C. Aviles, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025
Apart from the appealing cynicism of the villains, which provides the only relief in an otherwise turgid film, the picture remains curiously flat and unmemorable.
—Paul Mungo, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
This revealing moment shows Superman’s sincere belief in old-fashioned American values, while also acknowledging the cynicism of the era.
—Samantha Baskind, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
These, however, are glaringly contrasted with the cynicism of the whole.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Angelette C. Aviles, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025
Apart from the appealing cynicism of the villains, which provides the only relief in an otherwise turgid film, the picture remains curiously flat and unmemorable.
—Paul Mungo, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
This revealing moment shows Superman’s sincere belief in old-fashioned American values, while also acknowledging the cynicism of the era.
—Samantha Baskind, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025
These, however, are glaringly contrasted with the cynicism of the whole.
—Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cynicism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cynicism
Noun
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But the obvious calculation behind this move illustrated the desperation of so many anonymous black showbiz performers (such as those who were paid to promote the Kamala Harris campaign) who eagerly demonstrate an unshakeable loyalty to the post-FDR legacy of Democratic Party devotion.—
Armond White,
National Review,
25 July 2025
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Advertisement Still, that so many Democrats spent the weekend obsessing over a relatively unknown figure in Austin, who represents about 200,000 people in a deep-blue district, shows the extent of their desperation.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
21 July 2025
Noun
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Joe’s despair reminded me of a conversation my colleague Charlie Warzel had with the writer and technology theorist L. M. Sacasas in 2022.—
Shirley Li,
The Atlantic,
18 July 2025
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What kind of despair would people feel upon the discovery that their source of joy, belonging, and meaning was a farce?—
Paul Bloom,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
Noun
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July always arrives with a blend of sunshine and sorrow for me.—
Belal Aftab,
Mercury News,
13 July 2025
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Having had time to process all she’s gone through over the last few years, Edwards has channeled her grief into the new album (out now), which sees the musician navigating her pain while trying to find beauty in her sorrow.—
Rachel DeSantis,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, the intergenerational drama revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
23 July 2025
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Barely discernible in the May gloom, a glint of purple shone from the jacaranda’s canopy; nearby, seed pods dotted patches of green.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
Noun
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And yet, amid all the pessimism, one tiny group of humans has become extraordinarily valuable: Those creating AI.—
Verne Kopytoff,
Fortune,
4 July 2025
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Like the exceptionalism question, pollsters ask about optimism in different ways, and in most of them, including a new poll from Quinnipiac released last week, optimism beats pessimism.—
Karlyn Bowman,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Advertisement The answering note to its prevailing ironic treatment of Sir Walter is of course the melancholy and hint of regret that suffuse much of the novel’s tone.—
Brandon Taylor,
Time,
17 July 2025
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Over a balmy, slowly dissipating summer, nothing really pushes or pulls our aimless hero in either direction, and in this state of happy stagnation, melancholy becomes a comfort blanket.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cynicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cynicism. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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