zeitgeist

[tsahyt-, zahyt-gahyst] / ˈtsaɪt-, ˈzaɪtˌgaɪst /

NOUN

spirit of the time

Synonyms

STRONG

climate outlook spirit trend

WEAK

ambience atmosphere disposition feeling flavor inclination leaning milieu movement tendency tenor tone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For the sequel, Disney marketers relied heavily on details from the 2006 original that have burrowed their way into the zeitgeist.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

A stage adaptation can’t duplicate the way Lumet visually distilled the rough-and-tumble New York zeitgeist of the tumultuous early 1970s.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Dimon has a habit of making big commitments in tune with the zeitgeist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Several films seized the zeitgeist this year but only this one kept returning to theaters for an encore.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

And this active province of Béarn kept pace; it opened quickly to the new influences, was alive to the changing zeitgeist.

From A Midsummer Drive Through the Pyrenees by Dix, Edwin Asa