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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pessimism
Key Background Friday’s inflation report comes as Wall Street grapples with an all-too-familiar story: A stock market selloff traced to monetary policy pessimism from lingering inflation concerns.
—
Derek Saul, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
These developments have fueled a sense of pessimism, prompting many to ask: is sustainability in retreat?
—David Carlin, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
So what about the hopeful part of hopeful pessimism?
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025
Among these commentators, however, there was a common pessimism about the likelihood that their ideas can be realized.
—Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pessimism 
Derek Saul, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
These developments have fueled a sense of pessimism, prompting many to ask: is sustainability in retreat?
—David Carlin, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
So what about the hopeful part of hopeful pessimism?
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025
Among these commentators, however, there was a common pessimism about the likelihood that their ideas can be realized.
—Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
Noun
-
San Diego could target him out of desperation after losing Ha-Seong Kim in free agency.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
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And then there were the signings who, without wishing to be cruel, strayed dangerously close to being acts of desperation.—
Daniel Taylor,
The Athletic,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Artists showcase the range of life’s emotions — the loftiest heights of joy and the depths of despair.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
12 Feb. 2025
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Tinting one series cobalt blue and the other a cloudy sepia, and leaving both unframed, Mikhailov emphasizes his prints’ rough physicality—an immediacy perfectly suited to the works’ immersion in urban despair.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Superintendent Aaron Spence expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that the incident has profoundly affected the local community.—
John Feng,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
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At the age of 22, Johnson has already endured enough sorrow to last a lifetime.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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That’s not always easy with the onslaught of doom and gloom we’re met with.—
Raisa Habersham,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2025
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Lyles was asked if the sense of doom and gloom was a product of all the uncertainty surrounding the team with the trade deadline looming.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacramento Bee,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Moreover, loneliness contributes to higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.—
John Hewko,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
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There’s more anxiety, depression, and even increased suicide rates.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Unable to overcome various hurdles for six heartbreaking decades, scar tissue and a collective cynicism subsist.—
Tim Graham,
The Athletic,
22 Jan. 2025
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He is self-contained, bookish, innocent despite his cynicism — and as such stories often go, disappointment and bitterness probably await.—
Zachary Lazar,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Still, there is an undeniable air of melancholy to his movements since that move.—
Jack Lang,
The Athletic,
9 Feb. 2025
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The song captures both melancholy and resilience, reflecting Knowles’ mastery of storytelling through song.—
SPIN Contributor,
SPIN,
4 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near pessimism
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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