1
as in hopeless
emphasizing or expecting the worst
with that pessimistic attitude, it's no wonder you're depressed
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in cynical
having or showing a deep distrust of human beings and their motives
pessimistic about the prospects for a lasting peace in the area
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Recent Examples of pessimistic
It is well established that partisans of the winning side in a presidential election become more optimistic about the direction of the economy, and those of the losing side more pessimistic.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025
This piece won’t be one of those pessimistic about baseball’s future.
—Harry Enten, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
But the more pessimistic outlook now appears more realistic.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Americans’ outlook on the current state of the economy has become a bit more pessimistic since last month, according to a new poll released Thursday.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025
This piece won’t be one of those pessimistic about baseball’s future.
—Harry Enten, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
But the more pessimistic outlook now appears more realistic.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Americans’ outlook on the current state of the economy has become a bit more pessimistic since last month, according to a new poll released Thursday.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimistic
Adjective
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Democracy in the United States faces a serious threat, but the case is not hopeless.—
Laura Gamboa,
Foreign Affairs,
31 Mar. 2025
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Despite running on dirt-minded tires that are hopeless on snow and ice, these ultra-luxe restomods had no problem roaring through the powder covering the ground.—
Tim Stevens,
Robb Report,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Val did something special with a typical 1980s cynical rebel/wisecracker role, giving his character a layer of big brother warmth.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
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On the movie front, Viola Davis is an endangered POTUS in G20, Tom Hardy plays a cynical detective in Havoc, and documentary subjects include the Stranger Things stage production, the Milwaukee Brewers’ 1982 season and the Disney cult classic A Goofy Movie.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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There has been quite a bit of negative activity around libraries, specifically around organized groups, introducing legislation to limit people’s access to materials in library collections.—
J.M. Banks,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2025
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Careful application and timing are important to minimize negative environmental impacts.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimistic. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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