upbeat

1 of 2

noun

up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt 

1

: an unaccented beat or portion of a beat in a musical measure

specifically : the last beat of the measure

2

: an increase in activity or prosperity

business that is on the upbeat

upbeat

2 of 2

adjective

: cheerful, optimistic

I'm feeling upbeat today

Synonyms of upbeat

Adjective

• cheerful
• optimistic
• bright

Examples of upbeat in a Sentence

Adjective

I like a story with an upbeat ending.

I tried to stay upbeat about losing the election.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Keep your tone upbeat, ask precise questions, and include breaks in your schedule. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026

The Kyrie opens with a strong D-major chord in the large orchestra that seems an obvious downbeat but turns out to be an upbeat. —Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

Adjective

Spiking petrol pump prices act directly on the hip-pocket nerve and as the world's car manufacturers formed up to face the Thai masses, the mood was remarkably upbeat. —Mike Hanlon march 25, New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2026

Wall Street has been determinedly upbeat about the war in Iran resolving in a relatively short window. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for upbeat

• amit
• athlete
• backseat
• blackfeet
• broadsheet
• browbeat
• buckwheat
• compete
• compleat
• complete
• conceit
• concrete

Kids Definition

upbeat

1 of 2 noun

up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt 

: an unaccented beat in a musical measure

especially : the last beat of the measure

upbeat

2 of 2 adjective

: optimistic, cheerful

an upbeat story