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

Synonyms of optimism

• hopefulness
• brightness
• cheerfulness

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

What the survey ultimately reveals, is that supply chain and sourcing executives navigating toward 2027 are balancing cautious optimism with intense operational pressure. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

Oil prices, sent rocketing by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz energy corridor, plunged by more than 7% on Monday on optimism over a possible end to the eight-month-old conflict. — CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Intel was finally finding its niche in the artificial intelligence boom, delivering central processors used for agentic AI, while optimism simultaneously grew over its fab aspirations. — Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026

Happiness, altruism, optimism, social connection and a sense of belonging and purpose all have been linked with longevity in previous studies. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

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

Rhymes for optimism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Kids 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

optimist

-məst 

noun

optimistic

ˌäp-tə-ˈmis-tik 

adjective