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 of optimism

• 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

There is some optimism on the USMNT front, as the team should feature 2026 World Cup breakout star Folarin Balogun. — Dean Jones, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Momeni’s counterpart, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, expressed optimism. — Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Learn quickly enough, and cheaply enough, to decide based on evidence rather than optimism. — Paul Davis, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Last week's rout in chip stocks is producing some cautious optimism on Wall Street that now could be a good time to reenter the sector. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 20 July 2026

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
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

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