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

Synonyms

• hopefulness
• brightness
• cheerfulness

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

Ghaith al-Omari of the Washington Institute says the current optimism rests on extraordinary regional coordination. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025

His optimism was shared among a crowd that felt more like a reunion of friends. —Kara Fox, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025

The upcoming spin-off introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025

Benzinga The remarks caught markets by surprise, reversing optimism that had pushed stocks to record highs earlier in the week. —Benzinga, Freep.com, 11 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French optimisme, from Latin optimum "the best, optimum" + French -isme -ism

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for optimism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids 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

optimist

-məst 

noun

optimistic

ˌäp-tə-ˈmis-tik 

adjective