optimism

noun

op·ti·mism | \ ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm

Definition of optimism

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

Other Words from optimism Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about optimism

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Synonyms & Antonyms for optimism

Synonyms

bullishness, sanguinity

Antonyms

bearishness, pessimism

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

Copper prices edged higher Monday, boosted by optimism about Chinese measures to stimulate economic growth in the world’s second-largest economy. — Amrith Ramkumar, WSJ, "Copper Inches Up on Hopes of Chinese Stimulus," 18 Mar. 2019 Brendon Urie has a rare gift for unflinching optimism. — Ilana Kaplan, GQ, "Brendon Urie Finds Peace! At the Disco," 20 June 2018 All of this is reason for optimism in the face of adversity. — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, "The Top 10 Shows of New York Fashion Week Fall 2019," 14 Feb. 2019 Over a decade ago, when social media first became a standard part of daily life, there was so much justifiable reason for optimism. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Prince William Offers a Bold Condemnation of Social Media Companies at the BBC Headquarters," 15 Nov. 2018 The western state’s tilt toward Democrats in recent years gives the opposition party reason for some optimism. — Fortune, "Trump Defends Immigration Policy on Nevada Trip," 23 June 2018 It’s full of much more optimism and faith in one’s good character. — Morgan Jerkins, Teen Vogue, "R. Kelly and Other Powerful Men Have Always Manipulated Their Teen Fans," 9 Jan. 2019 Better known as mums, the chrysanthemum flower is a symbol of optimism and joy. — Chanel Vargas, Town & Country, "12 Best Valentine's Day Flower Arrangements for That Special Someone," 18 Dec. 2018 But a nagging question has been hanging over the industry: Would banks, taking their cue from rising economic optimism and a friendlier White House, significantly increase their lending to businesses and households? — Emily Flitter, New York Times, "Bank Earnings Climb in Growing Economy, but Lending Doesn’t Keep Pace," 13 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'optimism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.