negativist 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of negativistnext
as in negativistic

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negativist

2 of 2

noun

as in naysayer

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for negativist
  1. cynical
  2. naysayer
  3. skeptical
  4. pessimist
  5. misanthropic
  6. fatalist
  7. pessimistic
  8. defeatist
Adjective
  • The piece is an exuberantly hopeful and unabashedly patriotic look at America and its possibilities that seems downright defiant in such a deeply cynical and divided time in the nation’s history.
    — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Far more gruesome and cynical than its YA label would imply, Weiner’s brisk novel is the literary equivalent of a sugar rush.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of cynical
Noun
  • In a sign of investors being able to tune out naysayers, Kalshi just completed a raise at a $40 billion valuation, having only crossed $1 billion in the summer of 2025.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Yes, the Gamecocks are certainly playing with a much bigger chip on their shoulder after hearing the naysayers rightfully create enough noise across the country to be heard in Columbia.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of naysayer
Adjective
  • Ivan, the younger son, is doubtful and skeptical of his father, whereas Andrey, the elder, is faithful and trusting—the twin archetypes of man’s relation to the divine.
    — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • He has been joined in recent years by tax-skeptical scholars at the Manhattan Institute and Tax Foundation.
    — M. Nolan Gray, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of skeptical
Noun
  • Optimists and pessimists can see the same problem, Gielan explains.
    — Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Being the unintentional voice of political pessimism can make a person something of a pessimist.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of pessimist
Adjective
  • Another resident within Vision’s head is Ultron (James Spader), the misanthropic genocidal AI originally created by Stark and Bruce Banner to help save humanity.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Known for creating everyone’s favorite psychopath Tom Ripley, Highsmith – played by Helen Mirren – became a controversial figure because of her antisemitic and misanthropic statements.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of misanthropic
Noun
  • But the fatalist in me feels like this stuff is coming.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026
Definition of fatalist
Adjective
  • America’s housing market is paralyzed, with buyers pulling back and builders growing more pessimistic ahead of the midterms.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Also hitting the road was Vice President JD Vance, who campaigned in North Carolina, where Republicans have been pessimistic about retaining a Senate seat.
    — Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of pessimistic
Noun
  • Paige is energetic, determined, and inquisitive where Kevin is defeatist, sad, and zhlubby.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Frank was trying to set realistic expectations for the season, but made comments that were interpreted as defeatist.
    — Jay Harris, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Definition of defeatist
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.

Browse Nearby Words

negativing
negativist
negativistic
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Cite this Entry

“Negativist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/negativist. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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