negativistic

adjective

as in skeptical
inclined to doubt or question claims if we were to listen to those negativistic bean counters, we would never have a marketing campaign of any kind

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for negativistic
  1. skeptical
  2. suspicious
  3. cautious
  4. incredulous
  5. careful
Adjective
  • People can and should be skeptical about the sonnets written about starting NFL quarterbacks every offseason, when no one is getting sacked and almost everyone looks good.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • After clear signs that a judge was skeptical of its defense, Paramount decided to agree to go to trial and not to close the deal before June 1, 2027, or a favorable ruling, whichever comes first.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 July 2026
Definition of skeptical
Adjective
  • Some of them felt betrayed by Platner himself, while others don’t believe the accusations against him, find the timing suspicious or think there was more to the story.
    — Margie Cullen, USA Today, 29 July 2026
  • Glen Powell is hitting the field once again — and this time, people are suspicious.
    — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026
Definition of suspicious
Adjective
  • Partners and distributors are being more cautious because Anta prefers a direct-to-consumer model, Hoeld said.
    — Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • While inflation remains volatile across countries, influencing cautious planning, salary increases are relatively high compared to pre-pandemic norms.
    — John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of cautious
Adjective
  • When provided with the county’s explanation, Johnson was incredulous.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • On several occasions throughout the game, Lakers players were incredulous after calls – or non-calls – from the crew.
    — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Definition of incredulous
Adjective
  • However, Aldighieri advises marketers to be careful when changing tack.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 30 July 2026
  • But Yoon is careful, with his characteristically spare, visceral imagery, to establish Etna’s early happiness.
    — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
Definition of careful
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

negativist
negativistic
negativists
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Cite this Entry

“Negativistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/negativistic. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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