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
  • In desperation, Shraddha took her to another hospital with lower fees.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Later in the film, after the separation of the father from the rest of the family, the color red comes to signify a sense of desperation.
    — Matilda Hague, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of desperation
Noun
  • At the same time, 40% reported experiencing stress, 23% reported sadness, 22% anger and 22% loneliness.
    — Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Still, there are strains of deeper sadness and discomfort here, largely in the passive-aggressive tension between Kim’s character and her onscreen mother (superbly played by a new recuit, veteran TV star Choi Myeonggil).
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of sadness
Noun
  • For days, Nidhi observed her for signs of secret despair but could detect none.
    — Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • So, what was once a pretty harsh ride that tended to skip sideways in bumpy corners, bludgeon yours and your passenger’s spine and kidneys, and remind you what terror and despair really are, is now gone.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of despair
Noun
  • While firefighter Ed Glover appeared caught between rapture, and deep sorrow.
    — Anderson Cooper, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Two people in New Orleans fall in love under an oak tree whose branches bend like sorrow.
    — Terry Gross, NPR, 14 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
  • In other writings found on her cellphone, Clancy detailed her anxiety and depression, challenges raising her children and her hesitation to take new medication.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Avoiding the storm-hindering winds would give it a better shot at becoming a tropical depression or storm.
    — Robin Webb, Sun Sentinel, 13 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 19 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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