naysayer

American  

[ney-sey-er] / ˈneɪˌseɪ ər /

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of naysayer

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

Example Sentences

More than once, naysayers dismissed it as an “ER” retread – which, given that it stars Noah Wyle, who also executive produces alongside “ER” showrunner John Wells, is understandable.

From Salon

There were always going to be naysayers, given that Netflix is taking on about $50 billion of new debt to fund the acquisition of a company that struggles to turn a profit.

From Barron's

Instead, grumpy naysayers say our brains conduct “cognitive offload.”

From The Wall Street Journal

What has animated us has been we want to defy the naysayers.

From Los Angeles Times

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ haters and naysayers can take a seat.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cynic