cynicism
/ˈsɪn.ɪˌsɪzəm/ noun C1- A distrustful attitude.
- An emotion of jaded negativity, or a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others, due to belief that people are motivated solely by disguised self-interest.
- A scornfully pessimistic comment or act.
- A school of thought in the philosophy of Ancient Greece.
Plural cynicisms
From the library
The judges themselves appeared to be stupefied, and the jury manifested tokens of disgust for a cynicism so unexpected in a man of fashion.
Narayan observes the foibles and pretensions of his characters with a wry, sympathetic eye, never resorting to harsh satire or cynicism.
Learn cynicism in real texts
With a free account, hover any word in the library for its meaning, hear it read aloud, save words for review timed to your memory, and see how much of each book you already know.