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Showing results for pessimistic. Search instead for pessimistica.
Definitions

pessimistic

[pes-uh-mis-tik] / ˌpɛs əˈmɪs tɪk /
ADJECTIVE
expecting bad outcome
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bleak depressed despondent discouraged fatalistic gloomy glum sad
WEAK
cynical dark dejected despairing distrustful downhearted foreboding hopeless melancholy misanthropic morbid morose resigned sullen troubled worried
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bright cheerful encouraged encouraging happy joyful sunny
WEAK
confident optimistic trusting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The pessimistic view on the cease-fire is that “underlying positions remain far apart.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Mayer was pessimistic about the Shields fight happening, pointing to the weight as an issue.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

One-third of Americans are somewhat or extremely pessimistic about the potential impact of AI on their careers.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

There's a lot of things in the world right now -- more than enough -- to leave people, myself included, feeling pessimistic about things.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

I began to hope that I had been overly pessimistic, that we might be able to live in Mansfield in an atmosphere of peace and under-standing after all.

From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin