negativism
noun
neg·a·tiv·ism
ˈne-gə-ti-ˌvi-zəm 
1
: an attitude of mind marked by skepticism especially about nearly everything affirmed by others
2
: a tendency to refuse to do, to do the opposite of, or to do something at variance with what is asked
Examples of negativism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This negativism and teen-like outbursts consequently discredit and tarnish the reputation of our country.
—
Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
The negativism is there because that was part of it.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2026
But all the nattering nabobs of negativism who’d normally have been concentrating on Maura’s catastrophic first term had to devote at least a little attention to recounting one of the Wu Klux Klan’s more embarrassing moments of 2025.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
This can create internal negativism or a fleeting depression.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 May 2025
It can be characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance and avoidance from one’s responsibilities, or feelings of negativism, cynicism, and despair.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Mar. 2024
That’s important in our current vortex of negativism.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Nov. 2023
Feelings of negativism or cynicism about one’s job exist even in the C-suite.
—Suzanne Kietselaer, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2023
On a dangerous mindset; Pence and Social Security; ‘nattering nabobs of negativism’; the octogenarian Harrison Ford; and more NR Daily is delivered right to you every afternoon.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 16 Feb. 2023
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Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
The negativism is there because that was part of it.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2026
But all the nattering nabobs of negativism who’d normally have been concentrating on Maura’s catastrophic first term had to devote at least a little attention to recounting one of the Wu Klux Klan’s more embarrassing moments of 2025.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
This can create internal negativism or a fleeting depression.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 May 2025
It can be characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance and avoidance from one’s responsibilities, or feelings of negativism, cynicism, and despair.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Mar. 2024
That’s important in our current vortex of negativism.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Nov. 2023
Feelings of negativism or cynicism about one’s job exist even in the C-suite.
—Suzanne Kietselaer, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2023
On a dangerous mindset; Pence and Social Security; ‘nattering nabobs of negativism’; the octogenarian Harrison Ford; and more NR Daily is delivered right to you every afternoon.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 16 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Negativism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/negativism. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
negativism
noun
neg·a·tiv·ism
ˈneg-ət-iv-ˌiz-əm
1
: an attitude of mind marked by skepticism about nearly everything affirmed by others
2
: a tendency to refuse to do, to do the opposite of, or to do something at variance with what is asked
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