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

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

Lower-rate expectations are keeping Wall Street upbeat, even as the labor market stagnates. —Benzinga, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Guests can connect with designers, models, artists, and industry professionals in an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere. —Tiffani Jackson Skinner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025

Adjective

The week’s top movers were propelled by upbeat quarterly surprises, sizable chip agreements, and constructive regulatory developments. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

The rest of Santiago and Nix's friends and family members hit the dance floor as a DJ from Beat Train Productions played upbeat music. —Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

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