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 Against a backdrop of stifling sanctions and naysayers, Huawei unveiled the Mate 60 Pro, which as a smartphone technology is nothing short of remarkable and the biggest threat to Apple iPhone sales in China. Kurt Knutsson, Fox News, 21 Sep. 2023 After new coach Mike McDaniel changed the Dolphins’ offense last season and Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing-efficiency rating, the naysayers mainly harped on the quarterback’s injury history. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 17 Sep. 2023 The naysayer national media has been burned too badly by the Browns and are afraid to jump on a bandwagon. Irie Harris, cleveland, 8 Sep. 2023 Although there were plenty of naysayers and critics, the pair’s decision paid off. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023 Although most people in the comments and quote tweets seemed to agree, sharing their own struggles with parenting, naturally there were a few naysayers. L'oreal Thompson Payton, Fortune Well, 15 July 2023 That was it for his second year in the NFL, and the naysayers came out in force. Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2023 As with any neighborhood change, are there naysayers who object to these new uses for historic buildings, and the new arrivals who are so often behind them? Sal Cataldi, New York Times, 27 July 2023 Texas naysayers who found the Edgar troubling tried outlawing it. Myriam Gurba, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'naysayer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of naysayer was in 1721

Dictionary Entries Near naysayer

Cite this Entry

“Naysayer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naysayer. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

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