1
as in cynic
one who emphasizes bad aspects or conditions and expects the worst
she's such a pessimist that she's convinced she'll fail every test
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in misanthrope
a person who distrusts other people and believes that everything is done for selfish reasons
a true pessimist, he's convinced that there will be wars as long as there are people to wage them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pessimist
This will be used as a proof point by both venture capital optimists and pessimists, as industry sentiment gets increasingly bifurcated.
—
Lucinda Shen, Axios, 27 Mar. 2025
Optimists climb the career ladder faster and farther than pessimists.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
In his life, there is one thread that binds all chapters: Thor’s electrifying positivity that vexes all pessimists and his inherent ability to connect with others.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Studies show that optimists, compared to pessimists, have lower stress levels, move faster up the career ladder, have fewer health complaints and live longer.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimist
Lucinda Shen, Axios, 27 Mar. 2025
Optimists climb the career ladder faster and farther than pessimists.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
In his life, there is one thread that binds all chapters: Thor’s electrifying positivity that vexes all pessimists and his inherent ability to connect with others.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
Studies show that optimists, compared to pessimists, have lower stress levels, move faster up the career ladder, have fewer health complaints and live longer.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimist
Cite this Entry
“Pessimist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimist. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share