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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective pessimistic differ from other similar words?

The words cynical and misanthropic are common synonyms of pessimistic. While all three words mean "deeply distrustful," pessimistic implies having a gloomy, distrustful view of life.

pessimistic about the future

When could cynical be used to replace pessimistic?

The synonyms cynical and pessimistic are sometimes interchangeable, but cynical implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity.

cynical about politicians' motives

Where would misanthropic be a reasonable alternative to pessimistic?

The meanings of misanthropic and pessimistic largely overlap; however, misanthropic suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society.

a solitary and misanthropic artist

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 pessimistic In many ways, though, Baron’s depiction of Lowell’s age makes for a pessimistic contrast with our own. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025 Goldberg’s message is not pessimistic but corrective. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025 Americans are largely pessimistic about the prospects of Trump finding a way to end the war, a new poll found. Peter Guo, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2025 Both Shiffman and Wester, while acknowledging the reality of those dynamics, are less pessimistic about social media's future. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimistic
Adjective
  • But the situation is not hopeless.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Dealing with the horrors of the situation in Gaza within the sterile environment of a call center, its workers are feeling increasingly hopeless, caught in the political crossfire of an escalating situation.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The story is told by the cynical (and unreliable) film scout Striker, often in hallucinations and flashbacks.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • There’s a cynical take that says performers are just the last jobs left to automate.
    Seth Yudof, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • However, a number of attendees posted negative comments about the event on social media, with many claiming that the experience was chaotic and poorly organized.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
  • But let’s face it - any kind of drama on social media, positive or negative, is good for any reality competition show (or any series, for that matter).
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimistic. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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