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negativism

noun
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neg·​a·​tiv·​ism | \ ˈne-gə-ti-ˌvi-zəm How to pronounce negativism (audio) \

Definition of negativism

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
Other Words from negativism Example Sentences Learn More about negativism

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Other Words from negativism

negativist \ ˈne-​gə-​ti-​vist How to pronounce negativist (audio) \ noun or adjective
negativistic \ ˌne-​gə-​ti-​ˈvi-​stik How to pronounce negativistic (audio) \ adjective

Examples of negativism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Krukow’s first big-league experience was in 1976 with the Chicago Cubs, where corners were being cut, morale dipped, and negativism pervaded the team. — Ann Killion, SFChronicle.com, "Mike Krukow’s better living through team chemistry inspired Joan Ryan’s book," 7 June 2020 All those nattering nabobs of negativism in the press were certainly guaranteed to give this speech the back of the hand, right? — Jamie Dupree, AJC.com, "After a rough and tumble 2017, Trump calls for bipartisanship, unity in 2018," 31 Jan. 2018 Surprisingly, that is saying quite a lot more than simple reductive negativism. — Victor Davis Hanson, National Review, "President Nobama," 16 Jan. 2018 If Tebow does not in fact disagree with Jeffress on any of these points, then his decision looks like nothing more than craven capitulation to the nattering nabobs of negativism and intolerance. — Robert Klemko, SI.com, "They Came to See Tim Tebow," 17 Aug. 2017 Yes, negativism begets hostility, but Jackson’s inflated paychecks demand greater professionalism. — Harvey Araton, New York Times, "For Knicks, Professionalism Was Missing Way Before Derrick Rose Was," 10 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'negativism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of negativism

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for negativism

negative entry 1 + -ism

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Time Traveler for negativism

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The first known use of negativism was in 1824

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Statistics for negativism

Last Updated

20 Jun 2020

Cite this Entry

“Negativism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/negativism. Accessed 3 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for negativism

negativism

noun
neg·​a·​tiv·​ism | \ ˈneg-ət-iv-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce negativism (audio) \

Medical Definition of negativism

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

More from Merriam-Webster on negativism

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with negativism

Britannica English: Translation of negativism for Arabic Speakers

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