nihilist

[ˈnaɪ.ə.lɪst]

nihilist Definition

  • 1a person who believes that life is meaningless and rejects all religious and moral principles
  • 2a person who believes in anarchy or terrorism

Using nihilist: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "nihilist" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was a nihilist who believed that nothing mattered in life.

  • Example

    The terrorist group was made up of nihilists who wanted to destroy the government.

  • Example

    She rejected all religious and moral principles, considering herself a nihilist.

nihilist Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for nihilist

Phrases with nihilist

  • a person who believes that ethical claims are meaningless and have no truth value

    Example

    As an ethical nihilist, he believed that there was no objective basis for morality.

  • a person who believes that life has no inherent meaning or purpose

    Example

    As an existential nihilist, she believed that life was ultimately meaningless.

  • a person who believes in the destruction of all existing political institutions and structures

    Example

    The political nihilist advocated for the overthrow of the government and the establishment of a new system.

Origins of nihilist

from Latin 'nihil', meaning 'nothing'

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Summary: nihilist in Brief

A 'nihilist' [ˈnaɪ.ə.lɪst] is a person who believes that life is meaningless and rejects all religious and moral principles. It can also refer to a person who believes in anarchy or terrorism. Examples include 'He was a nihilist who believed that nothing mattered in life.' and 'The terrorist group was made up of nihilists who wanted to destroy the government.' 'Nihilist' extends into phrases like 'ethical nihilist,' 'existential nihilist,' and 'political nihilist,' denoting specific beliefs. Synonyms include 'cynic' and 'skeptic,' while informal terms include 'downer' and 'party pooper.'