negativist

Always says no

A negativist is someone inclined to oppose, deny, or reject—particularly someone who habitually takes contrary positions or refuses to cooperate.

The term appears in psychology for patients who resist direction or do the opposite of what's asked.

More broadly, it describes anyone whose default stance is skepticism or refusal: He's such a negativist that he'll argue against his own suggestions if someone else adopts them.

skeptic

doubter

One who disbelieves

critic · debunker · contrarian · dissenter · challenger · incredulous · scrutinizing · analytical · realist · interrogator

cynical

distrustful

Lacking faith in others

sneering · mocking · derisive · sardonic · sarcastic · misanthropic · jaundiced · acerbic · caustic · disparaging

defeatist

fatalistic

Believing events are inevitable

demoralized · discouraged · disheartened · downhearted · gloomy · bleak · quitter · capitulating · surrendering · defeatism

Categories
Opposites
outlook/attitude

negativistoptimist

Habitually hopeful person

positivist · idealist · hopeful · Pollyanna · believer

response to proposals/ideas

negativistyes-man

Uncritical agreeable subordinate

yea-sayer · affirmer · supporter · booster · encourager

Phrases
Family

negativity, negativism, negativistic

Familiarity
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