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
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
Your optimism works best when people can trust the information in front of them.
—
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2026
That optimism, however, had a thread of caution woven through it.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
Then the Giants leaked Schoen’s contract extension shortly before Game 2 of the Knicks’ and NBA’s Eastern Conference Final, which flipped the offseason optimism about a huge change to the organization’s operations upside down on its head.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026
Pastels match the optimism in the air—even when they’re done in small doses, like a flowery French tip or a lavender square nail, proving that even the tiniest manicure details can capture the magic of the season.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for optimism
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.
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2026
That optimism, however, had a thread of caution woven through it.
—Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2026
Then the Giants leaked Schoen’s contract extension shortly before Game 2 of the Knicks’ and NBA’s Eastern Conference Final, which flipped the offseason optimism about a huge change to the organization’s operations upside down on its head.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026
Pastels match the optimism in the air—even when they’re done in small doses, like a flowery French tip or a lavender square nail, proving that even the tiniest manicure details can capture the magic of the season.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for optimism
Cite this Entry
“Optimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimism. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
