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

Neither song has stopped naysayers from characterizing Anthrax as left-wing. — Jon Wiederhorn, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

The hiding of it is what allowed naysayers to get way more people killed. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026

As long as the elementary principles of supply-and-demand continue to hold sway, the invisible hand of the marketplace will keep on flipping the bird to the naysayers. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2026

That’s what naysayers infatuated with Bhayshul Tuten continuously preach. — Brad Evans, New York Times, 20 Aug. 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