1. a person who believes that life is meaningless and that moral principles have no basis
Usage: philosophy
2. a person who advocates the destruction of existing political or social institutions
Usage: politics

Examples

• The philosopher was labeled a nihilist for arguing that existence has no inherent purpose.
• As a nihilist, she rejected all traditional moral values.
• The novel’s protagonist becomes a nihilist after experiencing great tragedy.
• Political nihilists sought to tear down the government without offering alternatives.
• His nihilist worldview made him believe that nothing really mattered.
• The nihilist movement gained followers among disillusioned youth.
• She accused him of being a nihilist who only criticized but never built anything positive.