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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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 This pessimism is understandable—but significantly overstated. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 And that pessimism creates a barrier that keeps us from reaching out more often. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 His prose radiates an ecstatic pessimism, as if lit up from within by the relief of not having to sugarcoat things with comforting lies. — Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026 Cramer argued that Tuesday’s rally showed the cost of giving in to that pessimism. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pessimism

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism

Noun

But his approach is from a position of deftness and strength, not desperation.

— Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
The mood would be a mix of confidence, desperation and nagging dread.

— Austin Meek, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of desperation

Noun

For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
But our frustrations and inconvenience pale in comparison to the sadness of those who knew the deceased or to the trauma the drivers involved experienced.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of sadness

Noun

Along with a brief moment of tenderness Sara experiences with her class’s resident dork, this feminine camaraderie makes for a nugget of niceness in a sea of despair.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
Yet the film’s firmest punch is packed in the despair and dignity of Sul’s performance, as a man coming to terms with how much he’s lost.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of despair

Noun

The day ended in that same quad with feelings of sorrow, grief, shock and confusion.

— PJ Green August 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Going back to the Mets example, perhaps in an uber-technical sense a Mets’ loss could have marginal economic impact as some fans guzzle more beer to drown away their sorrows.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sorrow

Noun

Bees avoid the gloom of the understory—with few flowers, there’s little to entice them—but wasps don’t mind it, and are attracted to the helleborines by the promise of an intoxicating nectar (itself made by a symbiosis with fungi).

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026
Amid the gloom, one local nonprofit group is working to celebrate iconic cartoons to support the animators of today — and remind people of the joy of animation.

— Marah Eakin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of gloom

Noun

Hollows haven’t been found elsewhere on planets in our solar system, and with no wind or water to form the thousands of puzzling depressions, scientists want to know what forces sculpted them.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Symptoms include fever, depression, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.

— Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of depression

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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pessimism

noun

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