optimistic

adjective

op·​ti·​mis·​tic ˌäp-tə-ˈmi-stik 

: of, relating to, or characterized by optimism : feeling or showing hope for the future

an optimistic outlook

an optimistic economic forecast

a person with a hopeful, optimistic nature

I'm feeling optimistic about our chances.

The streets in question were magnificent commercial thoroughfares, … brimming with heavy streams of eager life—young, fresh, optimistic.

—Theodore Dreiser

optimistically

ˌäp-tə-ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

thinking optimistically about the future

an optimistically upbeat forecast

Optimistically, he anticipates that nuclear weapons … will never be used in war again …

—Russell F. Weigley

Synonyms of optimistic

• promising
• bright
• hopeful

Examples of optimistic in a Sentence

the economic predictions for the coming year are actually quite optimistic

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, the club wants to identify ways to rebuild its pitching depth while remaining optimistic for the 2027 season. — Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

Yet the research has moved toward a more optimistic and nuanced perspective, as data improved and government ownership models changed. — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Interviews with key stakeholders in the league, including Garber, Orlando City owner Mark Wilf, NYCFC CEO and president Brad Sims and three-time MLS Cup-winning general manager Garth Lagerwey, yield an optimistic picture of the league’s future. — Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 21 July 2026

JPMorgan isn’t the only firm with an optimistic outlook for the country’s market. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

optimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for optimistic

• agonistic
• altruistic
• animistic
• aphoristic
• atheistic
• atomistic
• cabalistic
• calvinistic
• chauvinistic
• dualistic
• egoistic
• egotistic

Kids Definition

optimistic

adjective

op·​ti·​mis·​tic

ˌäp-tə-ˈmis-tik

: showing optimism : expecting everything to come out all right : hopeful

optimistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē

adverb