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
  • His willingness to move to Rio de Janeiro upon taking the job endeared him to the cynical public, as did his decision to call up Neymar to his squad to quieten the noise the forward’s potential exclusion would have brought with it.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Against the run of play, the Atlas Lions won a free kick near the corner of the box after Luc De Fougerolles was booked for a cynical challenge.
    — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of cynical
Noun
  • This gives everyone permission to be a critic, instead of being labeled as a naysayer.
    — William DeCourcy, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Whatever a naysayer of the sport in this country wants to say about it, professional soccer and expectations for the national teams are part of the American sports culture now.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
Definition of naysayer
Adjective
  • Deeply skeptical of his diplomatic attempts with Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could view the president’s comments as an opening to continue operations both in Lebanon, against Hezbollah, or in Iran itself.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • As recently as last year, the bank’s executives were skeptical that ventures known for such voracious capital spending would be able to sustain their business models.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
Definition of skeptical
Noun
  • However, that’s looking at it from the pessimist’s point of view.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Utah seems to have found the midpoint between the optimist’s opinion of Trocheck and the pessimist’s and paid accordingly.
    — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of pessimist
Adjective
  • The philosophy-minded writer, apart from being generally (and characteristically) misanthropic, was making a profound point.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026
  • Wealthy, misanthropic and obsessive-compulsive, Melvin Udall, played by Jack Nicholson, develops an unlikely bond with Carol, a waitress portrayed by Helen Hunt.
    — Camille Perri, PEOPLE, 10 June 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
  • Workers are largely pessimistic about AI's impact on jobs, with 32% fearing fewer opportunities and only 6% expecting more, despite a recent shift in executive messaging.
    — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Opinion polls suggest most Americans are proud of our founding story, but deeply conflicted and pessimistic about the future.
    — Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026
Definition of pessimistic
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
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.

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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 11 Jul. 2026.

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