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

Draft the pitch and edit the newsletter so your plan lands plainly, and keep the tone upbeat. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026

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

Adjective

There was free food from three different food trucks, and a DJ filled the space with upbeat music. — Siafa Lewis, CBS News, 29 June 2026

The upbeat occasion delighted fans, many of whom have been with Swift on her journey for decades. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 4 July 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