pessimistic

adjective

pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-stik How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
also ˌpe-zə-
Synonyms of pessimistic
: of, relating to, or characterized by pessimism : gloomy
pessimistically
ˌpe-sə-ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
also ˌpe-zə-
adverb

Synonyms of pessimistic

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cynical, misanthropic, pessimistic mean deeply distrustful.

cynical implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity.

cynical about politicians' motives

misanthropic suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society.

a solitary and misanthropic artist

pessimistic implies having a gloomy, distrustful view of life.

pessimistic about the future

Examples of pessimistic in a Sentence

Most doctors were pessimistic that a cure could be found. The film gives a very pessimistic view of human nature. He has an extremely negative and pessimistic attitude.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But multiple polls this month have shown Americans feel pessimistic about the war and their economic troubles. — Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Oil rose slightly as traders became pessimistic that yesterday’s commentary from Oman on a potential deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was more talk than trousers. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 Barcelona are pessimistic about their chances of landing Julian Alvarez. — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Some have made videos inspired by 2010s memes, others have celebrated the return of a platform that hearkens back to a time when many felt less pessimistic about the role of social media in their lives. — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pessimistic

Word History

Etymology

pessimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pessimistic was in 1865

Rhymes for pessimistic

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Pessimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pessimistic. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pessimistic

adjective
pes·​si·​mis·​tic ˌpes-ə-ˈmis-tik How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by pessimism : gloomy
pessimistically
-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce pessimistic (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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