: one who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about something There are always naysayers who say it can't be done.

What is an example of naysayer?

Naysayers are termed as such because their favorite response is “nay.” Say you want to quit drinking alcohol. They'll go “nay” and tell you that drinking a few more mugs won't kill you.

Where did the word naysayer come from?

Naysayer, for a person who denies or opposes some matter or who is often negative in his views, comes from the ancient nay, one of two words of negation, the other being no. Which you used depended on the way in which the question was put to you.