as in desperation
a feeling or belief that bad things will happen in the future; a feeling or belief that what you hope for will not happen
She has expressed pessimism over the outcome of the trial. Although the economy shows signs of improving, a sense of pessimism remains. He expressed his pessimism about politics and politicians.
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Recent Examples of pessimism
Trump had previously discouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from taking military action against Iran amid the talks, though the U.S. leader has also in recent days signaled growing pessimism toward the outcome of the negotiations.
—
Anna Commander
tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
However, the current pessimism surrounding the stock appears overdone, possibly presenting a compelling valuation even as many stocks, net of the S & P 500′s rally this past week to new all-time highs, are beginning to look stretched.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Your objective is to reframe the pessimism and inspire hope.
—Brent Dykes, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
However, consumers' pessimism, persistently weak new orders in manufacturing, a second consecutive month of rising initial claims for unemployment insurance, and a decline in housing permits weighed on the Index, leading to May's overall decline.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Anna Commander
tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
However, the current pessimism surrounding the stock appears overdone, possibly presenting a compelling valuation even as many stocks, net of the S & P 500′s rally this past week to new all-time highs, are beginning to look stretched.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Your objective is to reframe the pessimism and inspire hope.
—Brent Dykes, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
However, consumers' pessimism, persistently weak new orders in manufacturing, a second consecutive month of rising initial claims for unemployment insurance, and a decline in housing permits weighed on the Index, leading to May's overall decline.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
Noun
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But the obvious calculation behind this move illustrated the desperation of so many anonymous black showbiz performers (such as those who were paid to promote the Kamala Harris campaign) who eagerly demonstrate an unshakeable loyalty to the post-FDR legacy of Democratic Party devotion.—
Armond White,
National Review,
25 July 2025
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Advertisement Still, that so many Democrats spent the weekend obsessing over a relatively unknown figure in Austin, who represents about 200,000 people in a deep-blue district, shows the extent of their desperation.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
21 July 2025
Noun
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In an era of headlines that often fuel despair, the Calouste Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity shines a light on solutions.—
Monica Sanders,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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The passage of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bil Act invited howls of despair from progressives and conservatives alike, with apocalyptic doomsaying over the bill’s many impacts.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
28 July 2025
Noun
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The world moves forward, but I'm suspended in a place of sorrow and rage.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
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But the two consciously dug themselves out of sorrow and misery and eventually were able to establish a foundation in Ethan's name, Ethan's Smile, which has given scholarships to more than 80 students.—
Liz Kreutz,
NBC news,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Set in Taiwan in 1988, the intergenerational drama revolves around Hsiao-lee, a quiet and withdrawn girl, growing up in silent gloom.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
23 July 2025
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Barely discernible in the May gloom, a glint of purple shone from the jacaranda’s canopy; nearby, seed pods dotted patches of green.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
Noun
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Research has shown that women who have higher anxiety and depression often show signs of inflammation and elevated stress hormones, which can lead to poorer outcomes.—
Michelle Marchante
July 25,
Miami Herald,
25 July 2025
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The National Hurricane Center continued Friday to track a low pressure system in the Gulf and said in its 8 p.m. advisory that development into the season’s next tropical depression or storm is no longer expected.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 July 2025
Noun
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Over the course of the movie, Sandler and Barrymore must both overcome their naïveté while also not being corrupted by the cynicism of the real world.—
Jesse David Fox,
Vulture,
30 July 2025
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In fact, dishonest positivity breeds cynicism that undermines trust.—
Elaine Pulakos,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
There was an air of melancholy from Australians in the Caribbean, with a feeling that this might be Australia’s last Test tour of the West Indies.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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The track captures a bleary feeling of trying to have fun but getting pulled into melancholy.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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