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defeatists

noun

plural of defeatist
as in realists
one who emphasizes bad aspects or conditions and expects the worst we told her that if she was going to be such a defeatist, she should keep her thoughts to herself

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Example Sentences

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 defeatists Hegseth largely declined to provide specifics, instead denouncing critics as defeatists, questioning their patriotism and insisting the mission had broad public support. — Nik Popli, Time, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defeatists
  1. cynics
  2. pessimists
Noun
  • Williams led the Bears to an NFC North title and a playoff victory last season, but some cynics think the Bears are due for a regression this season.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • That the earnestness the genre requires galls us cynics, who love to hide in our books, away from all those pesky bodies in the first place?
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of cynics
Noun
  • My favourite part of this exercise is seeing the distribution of optimists and pessimists.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Some pessimists think Chalamet may be vulnerable to poaching given recent headlines, but others reject the idea.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of pessimists

Browse Nearby Words

defeatist
defeatists
defeats
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Cite this Entry

“Defeatists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defeatists. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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