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.

That’s a generous reading of the bilateral zeitgeist at a tempestuous moment.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

How the latest installment of the show lands with fans is a test of whether a one-time hit can again capture the zeitgeist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 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

Such zeitgeist wins are harder to come by now with everyone focused on their phones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

That the young are the only bridge to the promised land of the zeitgeist of capitalism.

From After the Rain : how the West lost the East by Vaknin, Samuel