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
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
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
Belt tightening, more optimistic revenue projections, lower-than-expected costs and reserve funds in varying degrees helped state and local government spending plans avoid yawning deficits.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
Shipowners are increasingly optimistic about a pickup in traffic after more vessels left the waterway this week, with the US sharing information to aid those making the journey.
—Kate Sullivan, Fortune, 30 May 2026
Riccardo Bia had been optimistic this year.
—Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 30 May 2026
Her mindset immediately shifted from a sinking feeling to being optimistic about the future.
—Ayren Jackson-Cannady, SELF, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for optimistic
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Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
Shipowners are increasingly optimistic about a pickup in traffic after more vessels left the waterway this week, with the US sharing information to aid those making the journey.
—Kate Sullivan, Fortune, 30 May 2026
Riccardo Bia had been optimistic this year.
—Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 30 May 2026
Her mindset immediately shifted from a sinking feeling to being optimistic about the future.
—Ayren Jackson-Cannady, SELF, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for optimistic
Cite this Entry
“Optimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimistic. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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