naysayer

[ ney-sey-er ]

noun

1. a person who habitually expresses negative or pessimistic views:

   Despite a general feeling that things were going well, a few naysayers tried to cast gloom.

Word History and Origins

Origin of naysayer¹

First recorded in 1715–25; nay + say ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

To her critics, Breed closed with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt prizing the person who strives in spite of setbacks rather than the naysayer who carps from the sidelines.

From Seattle Times

Masterji Thakur scanned the room, a challenge crackling in the air, daring any naysayer to object.

From Literature

The entire pathos of Alabama football in the last two decades was predicated on Letting Any Naysayer Know.

From Los Angeles Times

The GOP regarded Schwarzenegger as a heretic naysayer and retreated into a much smaller corner.

From Los Angeles Times

But then he met Ramprasad: "Rather than just be a naysayer, Rampi and I took a stab at it with a couple of undergrads, built this big database, and dang. Actually, you can do it," Lively said.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• cynic