DEFEATISM Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

defeatism

noun

Definition of defeatism

as in pessimism

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of defeatism Yet Hiller’s latest equivocating mea culpa, with the now-familiar language of hardship and defeatism so unbecoming of a professional hockey team, rang unconvincing. — Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026 And yet, as the deadline loomed, there were also legitimate reasons to temper such defeatism. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2025 By contrast, maybe such language engenders a sense of defeatism, a belief in the inevitability of collapse which is collectively paralyzing. — Ed Simon september 24, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025 This state of mind is defeatism in disguise, capitulating to discord, disorder, and defeat without even joining the battle. — Karen Neff, Christian Science Monitor, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for defeatism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for defeatism

Noun

Americans are deeply divided and intensely polarized, with pessimism at or near a multidecade high.

— Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
The most effective way to shift from pessimism to optimism is to stop consuming chaos passively and start creating measurable progress daily.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of pessimism

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defeating

defeatism

defeatist

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“Defeatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defeatism. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of defeatism

noun

Example Sentences

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