optimism

noun

op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm How to pronounce optimism (audio)
Synonyms 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Roberts expressed optimism that Ohtani would return this weekend, and he still is penciled in to take the mound Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium before the team’s day off Thursday. Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 Something soured Monday night at Madison Square Garden and the stench of spoilt optimism wafted into Wednesday. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 11 June 2026 In the early 1960s, one was a young first lady helping to usher in a new era of American optimism and the other was a young monarch carrying the weight of a centuries-old institution. Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026 The optimism is understandable, but the threat from AI agents is more immediate than the opportunity. Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for optimism

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of optimism was in 1759

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Optimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimism. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

optimism

noun
op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm How to pronounce optimism (audio)
: a habit of expecting everything to turn out for the best

Medical Definition

optimism

noun
op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm How to pronounce optimism (audio)
: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome
optimist noun
optimistic adjective

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