naysayer means one who consistently denies, criticizes, or doubts; a detractor. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
naysayer is pronounced /ˈneɪˌseɪ.ə(ɹ)/.
Why “naysayer” is a great word
NAYSAYER — [Noun] One who consistently denies, criticizes, or expresses pessimistic doubt about proposals, plans, or beliefs. From the verb 'naysay' (to say nay, to deny or refuse), itself a compound of 'nay' (meaning 'no') + 'say' + the agent suffix '-er'. First recorded use: 1721. Unlike a critic, who may offer constructive analysis, or a yeasayer, who is defined by reflexive agreement, the naysayer is a creature of chronic dissent. It is the damp voice that cites rain at the picnic, the folded arms before the blueprint is unrolled, the muttered prophecy of failure from the back of the crowd—the persistent, hollow note that makes the heart of any new idea grow cold before it can even begin to beat.
noun
- One who consistently denies, criticizes, or doubts; a detractor.“He ignored the naysayers and succeeded with his idea.”