optimistic

adjective

op·​ti·​mis·​tic ˌäp-tə-ˈmi-stik How to pronounce optimistic (audio)
Synonyms of optimistic
: of, relating to, or characterized by optimism : feeling or showing hope for the future
an optimistic outlook
an optimistic economic forecast
a person with a hopeful, optimistic nature
I'm feeling optimistic about our chances.
The streets in question were magnificent commercial thoroughfares, … brimming with heavy streams of eager life—young, fresh, optimistic.Theodore Dreiser
optimistically adverb
thinking optimistically about the future
an optimistically upbeat forecast
Optimistically, he anticipates that nuclear weapons … will never be used in war again … Russell F. Weigley

Examples of optimistic in a Sentence

the economic predictions for the coming year are actually quite optimistic
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.
But that optimistic forecast is colliding with gasoline averaging more than $4 per gallon and soaring airfare amid elevated jet-fuel costs. Jake Angelo, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026 During the 2020 pandemic in particular, this became an appealing message, giving viewers a place to hang out with optimistic, hopeful TV friends who were delivering comfort from the recent — but now seemingly all-too-distant — past. Jennifer Armstrong, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026 Still, experts remain cautiously optimistic that a gradual realignment may soon be underway. Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026 Like Kodak ads, the Coloramas of the '50s reflected a prosperous, optimistic America. Marcia Greenwood, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optimistic

Word History

Etymology

optimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optimistic was in 1834

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Optimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimistic. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

optimistic

adjective
op·​ti·​mis·​tic
ˌäp-tə-ˈmis-tik
: showing optimism : expecting everything to come out all right : hopeful
optimistically
-ti-k(ə-)lē
adverb

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