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naysayer

noun

nay·​say·​er ˈnā-ˌsā-ər How to pronounce naysayer (audio)
-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 noun

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
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.
Then, naturally, the naysayers materialized. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 26 Nov. 2025 Gotham, meanwhile, aims to prove the naysayers wrong after a major offseason shake-up. Doha Madani, NBC news, 22 Nov. 2025 Well, unfortunately, for every naysayer like you, there’s an evil producer out to prove you wrong. Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 12 Nov. 2025 On a Gothams nominating committee, one passionate naysayer can sometimes prevent a big film from getting a nod. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for naysayer

Word History

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of naysayer was in 1721

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Cite this Entry

“Naysayer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naysayer. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

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