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
The stock market has generally been struggling after some weaker-than-expected reports on the economy, including a couple that showed U.S. households are getting more pessimistic about inflation and tariffs pushed by President Trump.
—
Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
The most recent economic data and a pessimistic turn among American households does not bode well for the U.S. economy, experts say.
—CBS News, 25 Feb. 2025
In the end, Kane is both enthusiastic and pessimistic about the state of low-budget independent filmmaking.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025
Germans are more pessimistic about their living standards now than at any time since the financial crisis in 2008.
—Sarah Marsh and Matthias Williams, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
The most recent economic data and a pessimistic turn among American households does not bode well for the U.S. economy, experts say.
—CBS News, 25 Feb. 2025
In the end, Kane is both enthusiastic and pessimistic about the state of low-budget independent filmmaking.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2025
Germans are more pessimistic about their living standards now than at any time since the financial crisis in 2008.
—Sarah Marsh and Matthias Williams, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimistic
Adjective
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The dance begin and the people are hopeless, bumping into one another but totally enjoying the experience.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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While a hopeless romantic, for example, may see geographical distance as a simple logistical hurdle, a pragmatist may deem it and its consequences more problematic.—
Christina Pérez,
Vogue,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Some who do have a cynical view — asking what good was it for people to risk that bridge crossing for Black freedom when young Black people are killing one another in Selma today?—
Marisa Peñaloza,
NPR,
9 Mar. 2025
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The cynical, trend-chasing marketing executive Maya (Kathryn Hahn, playing refreshingly against type) makes Matt look principled by contrast.—
Judy Berman,
TIME,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Studies show that low self-concept clarity—when individuals lack a clear and stable understanding of themselves—is linked to various negative psychological outcomes like higher levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness as well as less satisfying relationships.—
Dale Whelehan,
TIME,
28 Feb. 2025
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Consumers deciding to ‘sit it out and wait’ At first glance, January’s spending slump, the first negative monthly reading in nearly two years, appears to substantiate an increasingly unsettling picture of the economic outlook.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimistic. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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