1
as in hopeless
emphasizing or expecting the worst
with that pessimistic attitude, it's no wonder you're depressed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 pessimistic
Director Yorgos Lanthimos says audiences have been divided on whether the film presents an optimistic or pessimistic view of the future.
—
Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Senators remain pessimistic about the chances of reaching a bipartisan deal to reopen the government despite the effects of the shutdown becoming more painful for the American people.
—Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
Bills fans sounded an equally pessimistic note about next month’s game.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
The pessimistic version, though?
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimistic
Adjective
-
The Knights could only manage a hopeless heave from well beyond halfcourt at the buzzer.—
-
Produced by Feingold’s Romantical and distributed by Level33, the film follows Leo Kadner (Feingold), a hopeless romantic New Yorker who reconnects with his childhood crush Eva Shapiro (Sarah Coffey) while preparing for his 31-year-old Bar Mitzvah.—
Adjective
-
The shootout in the finale felt ripped from another (lesser) series, Sarah Catherine Hook’s monologue as Piper, now wanting to wash Thailand off her, just a bit of a pat cheat (and a more cynical White on display).—
-
Yes, our political leaders have given some of us reason to be resentful, cynical and even depressed.—
Adjective
-
Researchers revealed that the high-voltage output facilitates the neutralization and collection of dust and moisture by generating negative ions.—
-
By the end of the year, the Gallup Economic Confidence Index, which measures views of the economy and its future, stood at a whopping negative 33, down nearly 20 points since spring.—
Cite this Entry
“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimistic. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share