cynicism
gb/sˈɪnɪsˌɪzəm/ us/sˈɪnɪsˌɪzəm/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
abstract
1
belief that people act selfishly
Cynicism is thinking people usually do things for selfish reasons.
Usage pattern:
cynicism about/toward [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Often confused with skepticism: skepticism means needing proof, while cynicism assumes bad motives.
Synonyms
mistrust (Focuses on lack of trust rather than assumptions about selfish motives.)
|
suspicion (Can be more specific to a particular person or situation.)
|
skepticism (More neutral; emphasizes doubt rather than negativity about motives.)
Antonyms
trust (A willingness to believe others are honest or well-intentioned.)
|
idealism (Belief in goodness and high principles.)
Collocations
growing cynicism
|deep cynicism
|widespread cynicism
|public cynicism
|cynicism about politics
|cynicism toward politicians
|cynicism about human nature
|a sense of cynicism
|cynicism and mistrust
|increasing cynicism
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|society
|attitudes
Examples
- Her cynicism about politicians grew after the scandal.
- Years in the industry left him with a quiet cynicism about corporate promises.
- The campaign tried to counter voter cynicism with clear, practical plans.
Learner examples
- I feel cynicism about the news.
- His cynicism makes him distrust people.
Noun
C1
property
2
sarcastic, mocking negativity
Cynicism can be a sarcastic, negative way of speaking.
Usage pattern:
cynicism in [someone's] voice/remarks
Synonyms
sarcasm (A speaking style; cynicism is the underlying attitude being expressed.)
|
mockery (Emphasizes making fun of someone or something.)
|
bitterness (Stronger sense of hurt or resentment.)
Antonyms
sincerity (Genuine, honest feeling or speech.)
|
earnestness (Serious and sincere attitude, without mocking.)
Collocations
biting cynicism
|wry cynicism
|dark cynicism
|cynicism and sarcasm
|a note of cynicism
|a streak of cynicism
|cynicism in his voice
|dripping with cynicism
|laughed with cynicism
|thinly veiled cynicism
Themes
communication
|emotions
|humor
Examples
- His comments were delivered with obvious cynicism.
- The film mixes romance with a sharp cynicism about modern dating.
- She tried to hide her cynicism, but it came out in her jokes.
Learner examples
- He spoke with cynicism.
- Her cynicism sounded like sarcasm.
Noun
C1
abstract
3
cold, unethical disregard for values
Cynicism can mean not caring about being fair or honest.
Usage pattern:
the cynicism of [someone/something]
Synonyms
callousness (Highlights lack of care about other people's suffering.)
|
amorality (Emphasizes absence of moral principles.)
|
hard-heartedness (More personal and emotional; less about beliefs.)
Antonyms
integrity (Acting honestly and sticking to moral principles.)
|
principle (Commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.)
Collocations
sheer cynicism
|breathtaking cynicism
|staggering cynicism
|corporate cynicism
|political cynicism
|a display of cynicism
|an act of cynicism
|cynicism and greed
|cynicism and corruption
|a symbol of cynicism
Themes
ethics
|business
|politics
|society
Examples
- Many readers were shocked by the cynicism of the ad campaign.
- Cutting safety checks to save money showed a level of cynicism that angered employees.
- The leaked messages revealed the cynicism behind the public apology.
Learner examples
- People criticized the company's cynicism.
- His cynicism made him ignore the rules.
Noun
formal
C2
abstract
4
ancient Greek philosophical movement
Cynicism is also an old Greek philosophy about living simply.
Usage pattern:
Cynicism (as a philosophy)
Common mistake:
Do not confuse Cynicism (the philosophy) with cynicism (negative distrust) in everyday English.
Synonyms
Cynic philosophy (A descriptive label rather than a true synonym.)
Antonyms
Epicureanism (A different ancient philosophy, often contrasted in discussions.)
Collocations
ancient Cynicism
|Greek Cynicism
|the Cynicism of Diogenes
|Cynic philosophers
|a school of Cynicism
Themes
history
|philosophy
|education
Examples
- In his lecture, she compared Stoicism with Cynicism.
- Diogenes is often cited as a central figure in Cynicism.
- The book explains how Cynicism challenged social conventions in ancient Greece.
Grammar
Dictionary form
cynicism
IPA
GB/sˈɪnɪsˌɪzəm/
US/sˈɪnɪsˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
cyn - icism (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cyn)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: cynicism
- Plural: cynicism, cynicisms
Word family
Expressions
a healthy dose of cynicism
1/ə hˈɛlθi dˈoʊs əv sˈɪnɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
useful amount of distrust
A little cynicism that helps you not be fooled.
Examples
- Approach online reviews with a healthy dose of cynicism.
- After being scammed once, she read every offer with a healthy dose of cynicism.
- A healthy dose of cynicism can stop you from believing every rumor.
breathtaking cynicism
1/bɹˈɛθtˌeɪkɪŋ sˈɪnɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
formal
shockingly extreme cynicism
Very strong cynicism that shocks people.
Examples
- The report describes the scheme as an act of breathtaking cynicism.
- They apologized publicly, but the timing showed breathtaking cynicism.
- Many voters saw breathtaking cynicism in the sudden change of policy.
cynicism about [something]
1/sˈɪnɪsˌɪzəm əbˈaʊt sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
distrust directed at a topic
Cynicism about something means you don’t trust it or believe in it.
Examples
- There is widespread cynicism about election promises.
- His cynicism about social media grew over time.
- The documentary explores cynicism about the justice system.
cynicism toward(s) [someone/something]
1/sˈɪnɪsˌɪzəm təwˈɔɹdz sˈoʊmˈoʊnsəmˈɛθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
distrust directed at a person
Cynicism toward someone means you expect them to be dishonest or selfish.
Examples
- His cynicism toward the media is hard to miss.
- Years of delays created cynicism towards the agency.
- She tried to soften her cynicism toward her boss.