optimist

1 of 2

noun (1)

op·​ti·​mist ˈäp-tə-mist How to pronounce optimist (audio)
: a person who is inclined to be hopeful and to expect good outcomes : someone who is given to optimism
The optimists have faith that no matter how avaricious the age, literature will endure.Michael Norman

Optimist

2 of 2

noun (2)

Op·​ti·​mist ˈäp-tə-mist How to pronounce Optimist (audio)
: a member of a major international service club

Examples of optimist in a Sentence

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.
Noun
An optimist might say that perhaps people will become more sophisticated in their understanding of psychology. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 For one thing, Stevens has presented himself as an optimist during his entire Boston experience, beginning in 2013 when then-president of basketball operations Danny Ainge recruited him from Butler to coach the Celtics. Steve Buckley, New York Times, 9 July 2025 Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist and climate advocate, does not identify as an optimist. Daniel A. Gross, New Yorker, 9 July 2025 The eternal optimist: Kevin Hassett While Hassett has served a variety of economic roles in both of Trump’s administrations, he’s shared one major goal among them: tout the benefits of the president’s agenda when markets and the country writ large are doubting it. Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for optimist

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

optim(ism) + -ist entry 1, probably after French optimiste

Noun (2)

Optimist (Club)

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1759, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optimist was in 1759

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Cite this Entry

“Optimist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimist. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

optimist

noun
op·​ti·​mist
ˈäp-tə-məst
: an optimistic person

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