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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 Independents were particularly pessimistic about the parties, with 76% saying that neither party had strong leadership nor could get things done. James Powel, USA Today, 1 June 2025 Absent are the absurd characters, rapid-fire jokes, and dryly pessimistic social commentary with which Fey made her name on Saturday Night Live, and that have defined her career, from Mean Girls to 30 Rock. Judy Berman, Time, 30 May 2025 Earlier, in an anxious state over the prospect of finishing her novel, Agathe is pessimistic. Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 CEOs’ responses were pessimistic about many business factors. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimistic
Adjective
  • Those who are convinced they’re trapped stay helpless and hopeless.
    Amy Morin, CNBC, 12 June 2025
  • In a world where the powerful increasingly act with impunity, taking fictional villains to task makes sense, a form of Hollywood wish fulfillment for those who feel stuck or hopeless.
    Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Too often, leaders are stuck between moral maximalism and cynical cost-cutting.
    HEC Paris Insights, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Mamdani proposes to pay for these splendid gifts to the city’s voters by raising taxes even further on the city’s top income earners, in the cynical belief that those who make up his tax base are stuck there, cannot flee, and are thus cows to be helplessly milked.
    The Editors, National Review, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Put it all together, and this year has been a textbook example of how a negative NIIP profile can magnify currency turmoil, Ford warned.
    Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 28 June 2025
  • However, the theory fell through after Sam tested negative for gun residue and fully cooperated with officers.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimistic. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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