1
as in hopeless
emphasizing or expecting the worst
with that pessimistic attitude, it's no wonder you're depressed
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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
Unlike many pessimistic voices, Bocco refused to concede that theatrical is becoming a niche business that exists to feed streaming.
—
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 29 May 2025
Democrats in March hit an all-time low in polling and remain pessimistic about the party’s future, according to a new survey this month.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
His dark worldview is premised on the pessimistic presumption that the world will turn on the Jews if given the chance, which is why the Israeli leader has long prized hard power over diplomatic understandings.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
Nonetheless, the poll shows that the national mood remains pessimistic.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 29 May 2025
Democrats in March hit an all-time low in polling and remain pessimistic about the party’s future, according to a new survey this month.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 2025
His dark worldview is premised on the pessimistic presumption that the world will turn on the Jews if given the chance, which is why the Israeli leader has long prized hard power over diplomatic understandings.
—Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
Nonetheless, the poll shows that the national mood remains pessimistic.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimistic
Adjective
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Those who are convinced they’re trapped stay helpless and hopeless.—
Amy Morin,
CNBC,
12 June 2025
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In a world where the powerful increasingly act with impunity, taking fictional villains to task makes sense, a form of Hollywood wish fulfillment for those who feel stuck or hopeless.—
Whitney Friedlander,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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Robbins will play Russell Kind, a rough and grizzled settler with a cynical world view.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
12 June 2025
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Of course, given the ubiquity of such ambitious politicians of all flavors, everywhere, all the time, the charge of cynical opportunism has fairly short legs.—
Dain Fitzgerald,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Escalating irritability, negative self-talk after online conversations, or a panic response when the phone is taken away are clues, according to Dodhia.—
Alex Shoemaker,
Parents,
4 June 2025
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Despite all the negative attention the movie received, Johnson did not appear concerned with the long-term impact of Madame Web while speaking with the L.A. Times.—
Tommy McArdle,
People.com,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimistic. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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