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

Despite the judgments and the naysayers, these kinds of memoirs have outlasted the critiques—and prevailed. —Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026

Listening to naysayers in Congress twist themselves into pretzels condemning the ayatollah and his brutal repressive regime, but offering no solutions whatsoever, has been disheartening. —Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2026

Following widespread criticism of her new skin care line for children, Shay Mitchell addressed naysayers while appearing on Today last year. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026

The naysayers decried the acting as overripe, sniffing instead of sniffling. —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 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