naysayer

noun

nay·​say·​er ˈnā-ˌsā-ər 

-ˌser

: one who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about something

There are always naysayers who say it can't be done.

nay-saying

ˈnā-ˌsā-iŋ 

noun

Synonyms of naysayer

• cynic
• critic

Examples of naysayer in a Sentence

There are always naysayers who say it can't be done.

those naysayers who attack the integrity of the entire judicial system

Recent Examples on the Web

Democrats would be wise to ignore the naysayers and take the win. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Perhaps if it had been marketed as a quirky arthouse film, critical expectations might have been tempered and the naysayers’ assessments a bit less savage. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026

Remember these data points Whenever you’re confronted with a California naysayer, record the following points and keep them handy for future use. — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Beating Alabama would vault them up even higher in the ranks and silence some of the naysayers. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for naysayer

• assayer
• ballplayer
• betrayer
• bilayer
• bricklayer
• conveyer
• conveyor
• purveyor
• ratepayer
• soothsayer
• surveyor
• taxpayer