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
The pessimistic case starts from the premise that software development is different from the rest of white-collar work.
—
Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 May 2026
And work, as this alternately breezy and quite pessimistic crowdpleaser is quick to remind us, isn’t to be taken for granted.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Yet Kang is pessimistic that users will actually adopt adequate security practices given rabid AI adoption.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026
As the war drags on, Americans are growing pessimistic about the economy, according to some surveys and polls.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 May 2026
And work, as this alternately breezy and quite pessimistic crowdpleaser is quick to remind us, isn’t to be taken for granted.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Yet Kang is pessimistic that users will actually adopt adequate security practices given rabid AI adoption.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026
As the war drags on, Americans are growing pessimistic about the economy, according to some surveys and polls.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimistic
Adjective
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That reality makes the climb for promising teams like the Magic feel almost hopeless.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
-
To Some New Island Guests With a competitive streak a mile wide, Penny (Roorbach) is charming, popular, and a hopeless romantic – for now, anyway.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Governor Gavin Newsom's office defended the framework, calling protests against Hernandez a cynical attempt to weaponize the debate.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
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In season three, this argument has largely taken a cynical, nihilistic turn.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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However, Chloe later admitted that, despite their best efforts, her parents’ divorce — and the rumors and publicity surrounding it — did have a negative effect on her.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
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So none of the negative press circling around him manifested as a problem in your working relationship?—
Zak Cheney-Rice,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimistic. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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