nihilism
noun
ni·hil·ism
ˈnī-(h)ə-ˌli-zəm
ˈnē-
1
a
: a viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless and useless
Nihilism is a condition in which all ultimate values lose their value.—Ronald H. Nash
b
: a doctrine that denies any objective ground of truth and especially of moral truths
2
a
: a doctrine or belief that conditions in the social organization are so bad as to make destruction desirable for its own sake independent of any constructive program or possibility
b
capitalized
: the program of a 19th century Russian party advocating revolutionary reform and using terrorism and assassination
Cite this Entry
“Nihilism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nihilism. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.
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