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.
His optimistic scenario depends entirely on the pace of transition. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026 And both are optimistic about the prospect of a program that can continue Thomas’ legacy of philanthropy, but hesitant about anyone using their son’s name to raise money of any kind. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2026 And from his seat at the podium on Friday, the view for the Clippers next season and beyond was optimistic with draft capital, emerging young players and significant salary cap space. Janis Carr, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 Markets are firmly optimistic and investors would hope the stock rally does not be derailed by geopolitics. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 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 27 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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