optimistic

adjective

op·​ti·​mis·​tic ˌäp-tə-ˈmi-stik 

: 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

ˌäp-tə-ˈmi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

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

Synonyms of optimistic

• promising
• bright
• hopeful

Examples of optimistic in a Sentence

the economic predictions for the coming year are actually quite optimistic

Recent Examples on the Web

However analysts appeared to be less optimistic as Beijing has yet to put any meaningful stimulus measures on the table. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025

Warner, the All-Pro linebacker and potential Hall of Famer, has been optimistic about his return. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Christ said there are some reasons to be optimistic about Mahomes’ injury. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 Dec. 2025

The success in fighting crime gives Scott political capital with many constituents, but outsiders aren’t as optimistic. —Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

optimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for optimistic

• agonistic
• altruistic
• animistic
• aphoristic
• atheistic
• cabalistic
• calvinistic
• chauvinistic
• dualistic
• egoistic
• egotistic
• eucharistic

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