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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Recent Examples of pessimism
Trump had previously discouraged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from taking military action against Iran amid the talks, though the U.S. leader has also in recent days signaled growing pessimism toward the outcome of the negotiations.
—
Anna Commander
tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
However, the current pessimism surrounding the stock appears overdone, possibly presenting a compelling valuation even as many stocks, net of the S & P 500′s rally this past week to new all-time highs, are beginning to look stretched.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Your objective is to reframe the pessimism and inspire hope.
—Brent Dykes, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
However, consumers' pessimism, persistently weak new orders in manufacturing, a second consecutive month of rising initial claims for unemployment insurance, and a decline in housing permits weighed on the Index, leading to May's overall decline.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Anna Commander
tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
However, the current pessimism surrounding the stock appears overdone, possibly presenting a compelling valuation even as many stocks, net of the S & P 500′s rally this past week to new all-time highs, are beginning to look stretched.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Your objective is to reframe the pessimism and inspire hope.
—Brent Dykes, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
However, consumers' pessimism, persistently weak new orders in manufacturing, a second consecutive month of rising initial claims for unemployment insurance, and a decline in housing permits weighed on the Index, leading to May's overall decline.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pessimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pessimism
Noun
-
As Gaza’s money supply dwindled and civilians’ desperation mounted, cash brokers’ commissions — around 5% at the start of the war — skyrocketed.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Fortune,
11 July 2025
-
These accumulating pressures led Hollywood to a moment of existential desperation—which had unfortunate consequences for female actors.—
Mayukh Sen,
The Atlantic,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
This is the despair of wrestlers: unredeemed perspiration, useless bruises.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
-
For the most part, professors were, yes, in despair.—
Sean Illing,
Vox,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett also condemned the shooting and expressed his sorrow for the parents of the victims.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 July 2025
-
We are filled with unbearable sorrow and despair at our loss.—
Aaron Valdez,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
But there shouldn’t be too much doom and gloom around Madrid.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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That’s even lower than the early pandemic period that was filled with layoffs, uncertainty, and general doom and gloom.—
Rebecca Fraser-Thill,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
This projection was so oft repeated in the media that many Americans, especially Democrats, believed a depression was imminent.—
E.J. Antoni,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
-
Later that day, Barry made landfall near the city of Tampico, on Mexico’s east coast, and weakened to a tropical depression.—
Elizabeth Kolbert,
New Yorker,
12 July 2025
Noun
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Apart from the appealing cynicism of the villains, which provides the only relief in an otherwise turgid film, the picture remains curiously flat and unmemorable.—
Paul Mungo,
HollywoodReporter,
7 July 2025
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This revealing moment shows Superman’s sincere belief in old-fashioned American values, while also acknowledging the cynicism of the era.—
Samantha Baskind,
Smithsonian Magazine,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
Only two divorcees responded with anything remotely reminiscent of misty-eyed melancholy.—
Hannah Pittard,
People.com,
8 July 2025
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But the title track from his 1969 LP — a platinum-seller enshrined in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry — is perhaps his most impressive harmonic achievement, with a key change in the verse that lends a touch of melancholy to the song’s message of protest.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pessimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pessimism. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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