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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Dana Peterson, chief economist for the Conference Board, noted in a press release that write-in responses reflected a growing pessimism towards prices, inflation and the cost of goods.
—
CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
The continent’s funds have seen steady inflows over the last 12 months, after years of outflows, as pessimism over Europe’s economy fades.
—semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
The report provides vindication for economists like Apollo’s Torsten Slok, who have stayed bullish despite widespread pessimism.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
In the face of widespread pessimism about the political fate of the United States and growing political polarization, scholars and citizens across the country are reimagining how American democracy could better serve the needs of the whole population.
—Jennifer Lynn McCoy, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026
The continent’s funds have seen steady inflows over the last 12 months, after years of outflows, as pessimism over Europe’s economy fades.
—semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
The report provides vindication for economists like Apollo’s Torsten Slok, who have stayed bullish despite widespread pessimism.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
In the face of widespread pessimism about the political fate of the United States and growing political polarization, scholars and citizens across the country are reimagining how American democracy could better serve the needs of the whole population.
—Jennifer Lynn McCoy, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
Noun
-
This day in sports history 1943 — Eddie Dancker banks in a desperation 25-foot hook shot from the corner to give Sheboygan a 30-29 win over Fort Wayne and the National Basketball League crown.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
What is beauty if not precisely the property that provokes us to abandon all pretense of analytic remove in our desperation to draw closer?—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There is only sadness that they're gone.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Osanmoh notes that although losing might elicit some feelings of sadness, disappointment, and even anger in kids of all ages, this outcome has serious value.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This optimism turns into despair not one second into the organizing effort, when Ben discovers that his oven is out of commission.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Yet other oil surges did not lead to deep economic despair.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Faced with the closure announcement on Facebook, commenters quickly expressed sorrow — and reminisced.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Buford’s issued a statement Monday expressing sorrow for the victims and thanking law enforcement.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
To fill the space, models are turning away from doomscrolling (there’s enough doom and gloom in the news right now) and toward novels.—
Arden Fanning Andrews,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2026
-
In the meantime, rounds of rain, gloom and chilly temperatures are in the forecast.—
Cutter Martin,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Studies have shown a correlation between heavy digital dependence and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and stress.—
Karen Garcia,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
-
People seeking support often present with overlapping challenges such as anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma histories, chronic stress or relationship difficulties.—
Gwilym Roddick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Gender Queer shows struggle without despair, confusion without cynicism, and growth without tidy conclusions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Mar. 2026
-
And in a social media obsessed society often reduced to a cacophony of complaints, the back-to-back American League Cy Young award winner should be spared the cynicism that, regardless of his choice, is certain to come his way.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
On his early records, the London musician made do with saxophone alone, looping and layering his instrument into billowing expressions of foghorn melancholy.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Turner plays the middle brother with intriguing melancholy and an almost alien detachment, which works within the world this film creates, but not necessarily for a main character.—
David Opie,
IndieWire,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
