optimism
noun
op·ti·mism
ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm 
1
: a doctrine that this world is the best possible world
2
: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome
expressed optimism about the future of the business
the optimism of cheerleaders
Examples of optimism in a Sentence
Both of them expressed optimism about the future of the town.
The early sales reports are cause for optimism.
There is growing optimism that the problem can be corrected.
He maintains a sense of optimism, despite all that has happened.
Recent Examples on the Web
Chinese stocks declined after the Trump administration hiked tariffs on the country to well over 50% on Wednesday, but a glimmer of optimism was visible.
—
Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
The only spark of optimism is the possibility of winning the Europa League.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
There was lots of red, white and blue optimism, as well as scenes of Superman getting interviewed by Lois Lane and saving people from collapsing buildings.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025
Images of Assad’s prisoners being freed and reunited with their families filled U.S. officials and the Tice family with optimism.
—David Catanese, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optimism
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.
Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
The only spark of optimism is the possibility of winning the Europa League.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
There was lots of red, white and blue optimism, as well as scenes of Superman getting interviewed by Lois Lane and saving people from collapsing buildings.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025
Images of Assad’s prisoners being freed and reunited with their families filled U.S. officials and the Tice family with optimism.
—David Catanese, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optimism
Cite this Entry
“Optimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimism. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
optimism
noun
op·ti·mism
ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm
: a habit of expecting everything to turn out for the best
Medical Definition
optimism
noun
op·ti·mism
ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm
: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share