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.

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

“The current zeitgeist is a great place for a movie like this,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

But its ineffectual japing, and Michaels’ inability to help himself when it comes to normalizing repugnant behavior in the name of chasing the zeitgeist, makes it a popular stop on the image rehab express.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 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