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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
If [consumer and business pessimism] is maintained, consumer spending will drop.
—
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
There’s growing evidence that social media and the decline of in-person social connection have coincided with major increases in anxiety and depression, as well as political polarization and pessimism about the future.
—Kim Samuel, Time, 14 May 2025
Minnesota’s odds of winning the series (-1000) are a sign of the pessimism around Curry’s injury status.
—Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Despite these reasons for optimism, Lee noted that traders continue to show high levels of pessimism.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
There’s growing evidence that social media and the decline of in-person social connection have coincided with major increases in anxiety and depression, as well as political polarization and pessimism about the future.
—Kim Samuel, Time, 14 May 2025
Minnesota’s odds of winning the series (-1000) are a sign of the pessimism around Curry’s injury status.
—Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Despite these reasons for optimism, Lee noted that traders continue to show high levels of pessimism.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
Noun
-
Though the film doesn’t have an outwardly strong political message, it’s set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, adding an extra layer of desperation to O’Connor’s character.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
23 May 2025
-
And to think, that breakout had come entirely out of desperation for pitching depth.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
But the Squid Game stops for no one, so Gi-hun will be forced to make some important choices in the face of overwhelming despair as he and the surviving players are thrust into deadlier games that test everyone’s resolve.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
1 June 2025
-
Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties are now symbols of neglect, where economic despair has replaced the industrious and seemingly indomitable spirit that had once defined them.—
Daniel A.C. McBride,
Baltimore Sun,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
Long time residents throughout the Bay Area and beyond will recall the shock and sorrow of Nov. 27, 1978, when White walked into City Hall and shot Milk and Moscone.—
Georgia Rowe,
Mercury News,
28 May 2025
-
In fact, research has found that some animal species may indeed use wit to strengthen their bonds in the same way that many have the capacity for love, fear, sorrow, guilt, anger, shame, disgust and empathy – and that primates smile and some rats can giggle.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
Boomer Blockade Despite the doom and gloom news cycle.—
Kian Bakhtiari,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
Understandably, media companies don’t want to scare advertisers with lots of doom and gloom.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
The drug is believed to create more connections between brain cells, a process thought to ease depression and decrease suicidal thoughts, according to Mayo Clinic.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
25 May 2025
-
The Pennsylvania Democrat was elected to his seat in November 2022, months after suffering a stroke, and later was checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment for depression in early 2023.—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
As a result, the Gold Cup still carries lesser importance to its participating nations (and particularly those who can realistically win the honor) than the Euros or Copa America, and is often viewed with as much cynicism as affection.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
-
Hardly anyone would prefer to be made the fool — healthy skepticism can prevent you from clicking on a phishing link in an email or joining a multilevel marketing scheme — but a life of cynicism isn’t preferable either.—
Allie Volpe,
Vox,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
This tale of the power of community spirit in difficult times, interwoven with a fine strand of melancholy, is as disarming and subtly engaging as the director’s unshakeable faith in human decency.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
3 June 2025
-
The production gives it a lush feel, but it’s haunted by a certain melancholy.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share