FATALISTIC Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

fatalistic

adjective

Definition of fatalistic

as in cynical

having or showing a belief that the future is determined and cannot be changed His fatalistic outlook resulted in a lack of motivation to pursue a career.

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of fatalistic There was this kind of fatalistic view that there was not that much that could be done. — Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 18 Dec. 2025 Most people have a very fatalistic view of their age. — Erin Allday, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 Feb. 2026 Many, though, are fearful about what is to come at the World Cup — and fatalistic about the future. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 June 2026 Beats that might once have been framed through a hazy, absurdist lens now play as something much more fatalistic and frightening. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026 Blowing a 3-0 lead in an elimination game was a kick in the shins worthy of this most fatalistic of sports markets. — John Shipley, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026 By contrast, Whitehead was fatalistic. — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 When the voyeur and his subject begin physically to interact, there is low-key suspense, a hint of danger and a fatalistic romantic current fed by their growing mutual curiosity. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026 Known for his spare, unforgiving style and darkly comic fatalistic sensibility, along with his penchant for leather jackets, lots of smoking and a deadpan sense of humor, Tarr was a quintessential arthouse filmmaker. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fatalistic

Adjective

His willingness to move to Rio de Janeiro upon taking the job endeared him to the cynical public, as did his decision to call up Neymar to his squad to quieten the noise the forward’s potential exclusion would have brought with it.

— Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Against the run of play, the Atlas Lions won a free kick near the corner of the box after Luc De Fougerolles was booked for a cynical challenge.

— Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of cynical

Adjective

The powder, sourced from California Dairies and supplied by a third party, tested negative for salmonella before the company used it in the chips.

— Sarah Jacoby, NBC news, 2 July 2026
Apple, for instance, dropped 5% on April 8, its fourth-straight negative day.

— Alex Harring,Luke Fountain, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Definition of negative

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“Fatalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fatalistic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of fatalistic

adjective

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