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.
As funny as the skit was, there were some naysayers in the mix. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 4 Sep. 2025 Shortly after the last of the dams was removed, freeing the Klamath's free flow in late 2024, the salmon that naysayers said would take years to journey past the old reservoirs appeared upstream almost overnight. Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025 Forza Horizon 4 proved the naysayers wrong, showing that there's plenty of joy to be found under Great Britain's gray skies. Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025 Cracker Barrel statement doesn't satisfy naysayers Reactions to the announcement were largely unenthusiastic, with many fans accusing the chain of ignoring their concerns and calling for a return to the old brand design. Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 26 Aug. 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 7 Sep. 2025.

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