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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 There were no pessimistic predictions, no scenarios in which A.I. failed or caused harm. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 25 June 2025 For those more pessimistic: The only team to win the World Series after getting shut out in three consecutive games was the 1913 Philadelphia A’s. Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 18 June 2025 Just 19 per cent are optimistic about the wider UK economy over the next year, versus 63 per cent who are pessimistic – even though 69 per cent remain upbeat about their own firms. Philip Salter, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Veteran workers, in contrast, are more pessimistic about the tools and the impact of AI on their jobs, according to surveys. John Kell, Fortune, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pessimistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimistic
Adjective
  • How to get your love letter stamped from Valentine, Texas For more than three decades, the small-town Valentine Post Office — also known as the Love Station — has processed thousands of love letters from hopeless romantics around the world.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • Marcus Hopkins has been trying to have his criminal record expunged for years, a process which left him hopeless.
    Rebecca-Ann Jattan, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • For example, Donald Trump’s approach to power reflects a deeply cynical view of human nature.
    Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • This Superman movie is the most cynical imaginable.
    Armond White, National Review, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Kotsay said Wilson has a left wrist contusion, but that X-rays returned negative and that Wilson would be day-to-day.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2025
  • The numbers say he’s been toward the back of the pack, though, and that’s on top of a negative grade on the bases and a below average bat.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimistic. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pessimistic

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