optimistic

adjective

op·​ti·​mis·​tic ˌäp-tə-ˈmi-stik How to pronounce optimistic (audio)
Synonyms of optimisticnext
: 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.
Cushman, however, remains optimistic, but considerable work needs to be done. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 American snowboarder Chloe Kim shared an optimistic update on her status for the Milan Cortina Olympics. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026 In an optimistic interview, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi confidentially predicted that the Democrats will regain control of Congress. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 13 Jan. 2026 Leave it to the ever-optimistic Raffaello Napoleone, chief executive officer of Pitti Uomo and its parent company Pitti Immagine, to send a positive message to fashion professionals even amid a global downturn in luxury spending that has yet to reverse its course. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 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 14 Jan. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on optimistic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!