naysayer

noun

nay·​say·​er ˈnā-ˌsā-ər 

-ˌser

: one who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about something

There are always naysayers who say it can't be done.

nay-saying

ˈnā-ˌsā-iŋ 

noun

Synonyms of naysayer

• cynic
• critic

Examples of naysayer in a Sentence

There are always naysayers who say it can't be done.

those naysayers who attack the integrity of the entire judicial system

Recent Examples on the Web

Forbes Senior Contributor David Nikel was among the cruise naysayers before setting sail on his first voyage. — Scott Laird, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for naysayer

• assayer
• ballplayer
• betrayer
• bilayer
• bricklayer
• conveyer
• conveyor
• purveyor
• ratepayer
• soothsayer
• surveyor
• taxpayer