DEFEATISM Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

defeatism

noun

Definition of defeatism

as in pessimism

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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

Oil hit $100 a barrel and Magnificent 7 stocks shed nearly $800 billion in market value on Thursday, as pessimism over steep AI spending and the Iran war dragged down global markets.

— Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 23 July 2026
The findings from the survey released Wednesday may be compounded by pessimism about the job market, Maese says.

— Joseph Kim, NPR, 22 July 2026

Definition of pessimism

Noun

Protesters blame Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and demand his resignation, but the demonstrations have since expanded into a wider anger over government accountability, spreading to other cities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
The resignation marks the second time this year Anson County has lost an elections director, leaving the office without permanent leadership as preparations continue for this fall’s elections.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026

Definition of resignation

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defeatism

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“Defeatism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defeatism. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of defeatism

noun

Example Sentences

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