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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of pessimism
That is worse than at the beginning of Biden’s term by 14 points, and that increase in pessimism comes a touch more from Democrats (16 points) than Republicans (13) and independents (11).
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Dana Blanton, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2024
Nike's valuation is low From a valuation perspective, Nike's current price appears to have reflected a considerable degree of pessimism.
—Gurufocus, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
There is nothing worse than hopelessness, nothing more soul-destroying than pessimism, grief, and despair.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024
The ensuing debates about the future of global TV were fascinating, with plenty optimism, plenty pessimism and a fair bit of stargazing.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pessimism 
Dana Blanton, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2024
Nike's valuation is low From a valuation perspective, Nike's current price appears to have reflected a considerable degree of pessimism.
—Gurufocus, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
There is nothing worse than hopelessness, nothing more soul-destroying than pessimism, grief, and despair.
—Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024
The ensuing debates about the future of global TV were fascinating, with plenty optimism, plenty pessimism and a fair bit of stargazing.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
Noun
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An air of desperation hung over a handful of Premier League clubs last summer.Philip Buckingham, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
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His words resonate deeply in a region where many, driven by desperation for a better life, risk their lives swimming or sailing across the perilous 25-mile Strait of Gibraltar to Spain—a journey that all too often ends in tragedy.Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Antonio scored an early opener and Jarrod Bowen was denied from close range shortly after, with Moyes falling to the ground in despair.Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
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Carter later credited that sacrifice for pulling him from his despair and eventually leading him to found The Carter Presidential Center -- a multifaceted nonprofit aimed at promoting human rights, with missions as varied as election monitoring and eradicating parasitic diseases.Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The principal of Dos Pueblos High School, Bill Woodard, expressed sorrow about the beloved teacher’s death.Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2025
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Sadly, the reunion would leave the Bernstein family with lasting wounds and sorrow.Doc Louallen, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Mercury’s entrance to Capricorn can foster doom and gloom.USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
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Despite the gloom, studio facilities are pushing ahead with expansion plans.Gene Maddaus, Variety, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Healthcare providers report using similar dosages to the treatment of depression for RSD.Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
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Specifically, The Family Dinner Project reports that, for kids, this practice is linked with better academic performance, higher self-esteem and a lower risk of depression, among other benefits.John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Now it’s lost two members to defections, which Democrats argue only leads to more voter cynicism.Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025
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Iannucci comes honestly to his cynicism about those in power.Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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When the Padres signed Bogaerts, a major league scout with a neutral team said several baseball folks with the Red Sox felt a sense of melancholy.Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Jan. 2025
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There’s action and scares, but also human melancholy and a deep mystery.Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near pessimism
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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