naysayer

noun

ˈnā-ˌsā-ər How to pronounce naysayer (audio)
Definition of naysayernext
as in cynic
a person who distrusts other people and believes that everything is done for selfish reasons those naysayers who attack the integrity of the entire judicial system

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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 naysayer Dismissed by some as a publicity stunt, the crew proved the naysayers wrong, becoming a formidable presence and a powerful emblem of change. — Brent Lang, Variety, 17 June 2026 But the film received criticism in the aftermath of its release, with some naysayers accusing it of being alarmist or exaggerated. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 June 2026 Whatever a naysayer of the sport in this country wants to say about it, professional soccer and expectations for the national teams are part of the American sports culture now. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026 Ellen Heronemus Heronemus countered the naysayers by quickly forging expert consensus around wind power’s immense potential, playing a key role as the sole wind expert on a 1972 federal panel on renewable energy. — IEEE Spectrum, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for naysayer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naysayer
  1. cynic
  2. critic
Noun
  • The native New Yorker has won over cynics before, his peers tell Fortune.
    — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026
  • Not everyone is happy about this apparently, as large portions of cynics and haters on social media are apparently ready to say auf wiedersehen to Freddy.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of cynic
Noun
  • Early reactions dropped Monday, and while these are always to be taken with a grain of salt, the superlatives are flying from the keyboards of fanboys and film critics alike.
    — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 6 July 2026
  • Yang was investigated as part of President Xi Jinping ’s decade-long anti-corruption campaign that critics say has been used partly to remove his political rivals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of critic

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naysayer
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Cite this Entry

“Naysayer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naysayer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on naysayer

Nglish: Translation of naysayer for Spanish Speakers

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