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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About optimism

Synonyms & Antonyms for optimism

Synonyms

Antonyms

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 One note of optimism came from the United Nations secretary-general, António Guterres, who was asked about the prospects of a Russian invasion of Ukraine in the hours after the Blinken-Lavrov meeting had concluded. — New York Times, 21 Jan. 2022 Every new administration enters office with an agenda of optimism. — NBC News, 16 Jan. 2022 The calendar was slimmed down after the omicron variant started its surge in Italy last month, but that live shows went ahead at all was a sign of optimism after January 2021’s digital-only Milan Fashion Week. — Colleen Barry, ajc, 15 Jan. 2022 Black-D’Elia is a natural TV lead who is able to convey pain, angst or need with a backspin of optimism. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 13 Jan. 2022 Fear of automation is beginning to shift to optimism. — Jared Spataro, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2022 Chief Creative Director Nina Miner credits the spike to the growing optimism consumers feel for 2022. — Jenn Barthole, refinery29.com, 20 Dec. 2021 There’s nothing showy in Smith’s performance, which is crucial for a character who’s been beaten down by life but still clings to a defiant optimism. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2021 The global pandemic has swung us from pessimism to optimism as we near the end of the long dark tunnel, only to whipsaw us back again. — John Pierce, Forbes, 9 Nov. 2021

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.