PESSIMISM Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

pessimism

noun

Definition of pessimism

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 The persistent pessimism about the economy, which dates back to the Biden administration, is particularly strong among independents. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 June 2026 Allan Bailey, 83, a Republican who also served in Vietnam and later owned a motel, voiced similar pessimism. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 With many families increasingly financially pinched, some are turning to credit cards and other forms of debt to cover daily expenses, which could also contribute to their pessimism about the economy, Hanks said. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Even as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence − a celebration of the founding of the world's oldest modern constitutional democracy − most Americans are mired in dissatisfaction with the nation's present and pessimism about its future. — Susan Page, USA Today, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pessimism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism

Noun

Their desperation comes as the Venezuelan government faces mounting criticism over its response to the crisis.

— Isa Soares, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Last week’s desperation deal for David Peterson, a one-time All-Star with the New York Mets, was only the start of a necessary overhaul.

— Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of desperation

Noun

Nonetheless, Simón stirs up the ineffable sadness that comes with wanting answers to the mysteries of your family — and then, like it or not, receiving them.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
There’s a frank sadness to nearly every scene, but also a tenderness and warmth between these two unlikely friends.

— Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026

Definition of sadness

Noun

Detainees had little access to recreational activities and time outside, which mental health experts say exacerbates their despair.

— Perla Trevizo, ProPublica, 3 July 2026
Whether the episode amounted to anything beyond hearsay amid the ubiquitous sense of mass confusion and despair remains a question mark.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of despair

Noun

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the crash and offered condolences to the victims' families.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Croatia’s World Cup exit was not without a fight, with a last-minute, stoppage time goal that likely had fans screaming at the TV in jubilation, and then in sorrow.

— Alex Connor, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

The broader mood tracks right alongside, with 40% expecting AI to be bad for society over the next twenty years against 16% who expect good, the gloom running deepest among adults under 30, and 63% saying the whole thing is moving too fast.

— Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
The partying turned to gloom after the temblors.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Definition of gloom

Noun

The pair went all the way down to a 43-mile-wide and 1,500-mile-long depression in the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench, known as the Challenger Deep.

— Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
The victim's mother also addressed the jury, blaming Rullan for her son's depression and anxiety and describing the emotional toll the abuse had taken on their family.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of depression

Noun

There was an element of cynicism, but not on the part of determined prosecutors who overcame obstacles and brought the case to guilty pleas by three defendants and the conviction on 21 counts of the public official who ignited the scandal.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026
Some cynicism should be allowed.

— Murat Ates, New York Times, 27 June 2026

Definition of cynicism

Browse Nearby Words

pesky

pessimism

pessimist

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“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of pessimism

noun

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