negativism
noun
neg·a·tiv·ism
ˈne-gə-ti-ˌvi-zəm 
1
: an attitude of mind marked by skepticism especially about nearly everything affirmed by others
2
: a tendency to refuse to do, to do the opposite of, or to do something at variance with what is asked
Examples of negativism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This can create internal negativism or a fleeting depression.
—
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 May 2025
It can be characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance and avoidance from one’s responsibilities, or feelings of negativism, cynicism, and despair.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Mar. 2024
That’s important in our current vortex of negativism.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Nov. 2023
Feelings of negativism or cynicism about one’s job exist even in the C-suite.
—Suzanne Kietselaer, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2023
On a dangerous mindset; Pence and Social Security; ‘nattering nabobs of negativism’; the octogenarian Harrison Ford; and more NR Daily is delivered right to you every afternoon.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 16 Feb. 2023
The predictable fruits of this relentless negativism were undermotivated voters on both sides, with California-13 registering some of the lowest turnout in the country for a toss-up race.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 9 Feb. 2023
There have not been as many nattering nabobs of negativism around Belichick since the days after the Chiefs pantsed the Patriots, 41-14, on national television in Week 4 of the 2014 season.
—Dan Shaughnessy, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Sep. 2022
The winner will be the side that is best able to withstand these drumbeats of negativism.
—David A. Andelman, CNN, 12 Sep. 2022
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Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 28 May 2025
It can be characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance and avoidance from one’s responsibilities, or feelings of negativism, cynicism, and despair.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Mar. 2024
That’s important in our current vortex of negativism.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Nov. 2023
Feelings of negativism or cynicism about one’s job exist even in the C-suite.
—Suzanne Kietselaer, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2023
On a dangerous mindset; Pence and Social Security; ‘nattering nabobs of negativism’; the octogenarian Harrison Ford; and more NR Daily is delivered right to you every afternoon.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 16 Feb. 2023
The predictable fruits of this relentless negativism were undermotivated voters on both sides, with California-13 registering some of the lowest turnout in the country for a toss-up race.
—Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, 9 Feb. 2023
There have not been as many nattering nabobs of negativism around Belichick since the days after the Chiefs pantsed the Patriots, 41-14, on national television in Week 4 of the 2014 season.
—Dan Shaughnessy, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Sep. 2022
The winner will be the side that is best able to withstand these drumbeats of negativism.
—David A. Andelman, CNN, 12 Sep. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Negativism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/negativism. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
negativism
noun
neg·a·tiv·ism
ˈneg-ət-iv-ˌiz-əm
1
: an attitude of mind marked by skepticism about nearly everything affirmed by others
2
: a tendency to refuse to do, to do the opposite of, or to do something at variance with what is asked
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