optimism

play

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

optimistic

play \ˌäp-tə-ˈmi-stik\ adjective

optimistically

play \ˌäp-tə-ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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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 of optimism from the Web

Ed Rogers, chief executive officer at Rogers Investment Advisors, discusses his optimism over Japan's economy and the BOJ's 2% inflation target.

— Bloomberg.com, "Rogers Investment Says Kuroda Will Persist With Policy," 19 July 2017
The progressive optimism of Coyne and Pinker is unfounded.

— jeff cimmino, National Review, "University of Chicago Professor: Infanticide Is Morally Acceptable," 19 July 2017
James Fallows takes stock of what’s gone wrong—and what’s cause for optimism.

— rosa inocencio smith, The Atlantic, "The Atlantic Daily: Health Care and Hack-Backs," 14 July 2017
While Matthews' proclamation was bold, there is reason for his optimism about the Tigers' defense in Year 2 under defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.

— drew champlin, AL.com, "Auburn recruiting podcast: Tigers land big safety in Quindarious Monday," 14 July 2017
There was optimism on Friday morning the Heat will find a way to fit Ellington’s $6.3 million salary under the cap before the 11:59 p.m. deadline Miami has to do so.

— manny navarro, miamiherald, "Heat trades McRoberts, future 2nd round pick to Mavs to make space for Ellington," 7 July 2017
During the speech to young leaders at the University of Chicago, the former president focused on both his time as a community organizer in Chicago as well as his optimism for the future of American democracy.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "Here's What Barack Obama Is Doing Now," 27 June 2017
In the minutes, hours and days after Sporting Kansas City midfielder Benny Feilhaber found himself on the dangerous end of a tackle from an LA Galaxy defender, the events offered little, if any, optimism.

— sam mcdowell, kansascity.com, "Sporting KC’s Benny Feilhaber out indefinitely but receives good news on ankle," 27 June 2017
For the beleaguered Cincinnati Reds fan, Tuesday’s 8-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park offered plenty of pegs on which to hang optimism.

— zach buchanan, Cincinnati.com, "Eugenio Suarez leads Cincinnati Reds’ four-homer effort in win over Milwaukee Brewers," 27 June 2017

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.