PESSIMISM Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

pessimism

noun

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 Such extreme pessimism has historically acted as a contrarian indicator for markets, Hartnett said, with prior lows in sentiment coinciding with key turning points for equities, including in October 2023 and April 2025. —

Yun Li, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026 Successive setbacks have predisposed Hungarians to pessimism, even self-pity. —

Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026 The first shows affordability as Maryland’s top issue; the second reveals growing pessimism about the state’s direction. —

Randy Altschuler, Baltimore Sun, 7 Apr. 2026 Democratic strategist Nina Smith, who worked on Buttigieg's 2020 presidential campaign, given the pessimism about the war and the economy, the party must actively engage voters in every corner of the country. —

Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pessimism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism

Noun

If the Lakers are going to find a new level of desperation and resilience to avoid a sweep – answers better emerge on the horizon.

— Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
Then, in a time of desperation, in the middle of March, Brown looked to Clarkson for the spark that has become synonymous with his career as a bench scorer.

— James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 9 May 2026