What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nihilist
Example
He became a nihilist after experiencing a series of personal tragedies. [nihilist: noun]
Example
The book explores the nihilistic themes of despair and hopelessness. [nihilistic: adjective]
cynic
Example
He's such a cynic, always assuming the worst in people. [cynic: noun]
Example
The movie portrays a cynical view of politics and power. [cynical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cynic is more commonly used than nihilist in everyday language. Cynicism is a more relatable concept and can be applied to various situations, while nihilism is a more abstract and philosophical concept.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nihilist and cynic?
Both nihilist and cynic are associated with a negative and informal tone. However, nihilism is a more formal and academic concept, while cynicism can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
