pessimism

noun

Definition of pessimismnext
as in desperation
a feeling or belief that bad things will happen in the future; a feeling or belief that what you hope for will not happen She has expressed pessimism over the outcome of the trial. Although the economy shows signs of improving, a sense of pessimism remains. He expressed his pessimism about politics and politicians.

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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 pessimism 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 The flurry of Pakistani and Qatari delegations visiting Iran in an effort to sustain the ceasefire has given way to pessimism among regional diplomats. — Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 19 July 2026 The supply of oil is more constrained than ever, but its price is nowhere near peak pessimism. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
  1. desperation
  2. sadness
  3. despair
  4. sorrow
  5. gloom
  6. depression
  7. cynicism
  8. melancholy
Noun
  • Quarterback Caleb Williams tried to thread a desperation end zone throw to Burden through three defenders with three seconds on the clock.
    — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Sky hit a desperation double-stomp and the match reached a stalemate.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of desperation
Noun
  • The researchers also detected differences in the brain activity associated with faces showing fear versus anger or sadness.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Gastélum’s last posts on Instagram and TikTok have thousands of comments ranging from sadness to disbelief.
    — Rey Rodríguez, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of sadness
Noun
  • As Rhaenyra slowly descends into a pit of despair and desperation, Daemon and his armies run into some snags on their assault of Tumbleton thanks to the various tricks Lord Ormund has up his sleeves.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There are many valid readings of this high-minded, heavy-handed modern drama of despair, desperation, love and survival instincts.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of despair
Noun
  • Outpouring of grief The sound of sobbing underlays chanting in dozens of dialects woven together in a single expression of sorrow for Imam Hussein and his companions and family, killed and taken captive in the defining event of Shia Islam.
    — Jane Arraf, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Flitting between deadpan sorrow and impassioned romance, Bridgers’ album is alternately spooky, hilarious, mysterious and sneakily moving.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of sorrow
Noun
  • The three sat inside their cars, out of the hot August gloom, and waited.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes, this undercurrent of gloom tips over into outright nihilism.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of gloom
Noun
  • Andrew has also used neuroimaging research projects to study aging and dementia, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026
  • And any product promising to treat pain, anxiety, depression, or withdrawal should stop you outright.
    — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of depression
Noun
  • Members must accommodate themselves to its fictions, with varying mixtures of gullibility and cynicism; followers shown proof that the leader has lied may admire him all the more for his tactical cleverness.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Townshend’s cynicism proved prescient as the generation that marched, occupied, and dropped out in the late 1960s spent the 1970s watching the New Left splinter.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of cynicism
Noun
  • Beneath all the sensuality and beauty, there’s also a lingering melancholy that feels very familiar to me.
    — Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 16 June 2026
  • Don Hertzfeldt occasionally comes to mind for a similarly pervasive mood of questioning, philosophical melancholy.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 12 June 2026
Definition of melancholy

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Cite this Entry

“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pessimism

Nglish: Translation of pessimism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pessimism

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