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

In a sign of investors being able to tune out naysayers, Kalshi just completed a raise at a $40 billion valuation, having only crossed $1 billion in the summer of 2025. — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Yes, the Gamecocks are certainly playing with a much bigger chip on their shoulder after hearing the naysayers rightfully create enough noise across the country to be heard in Columbia. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 Oct. 2026

But space-industry naysayers will search for other ways to slow innovation. — Max Harden, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Former officials and people in the election-integrity movement told ProPublica that Mitchell has had to overcome naysayers within the administration, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. — Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 28 Oct. 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