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

But Shafer is not optimistic that the Legislature will prioritize making such changes. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

Both Sawyers and Houston are optimistic that their shows might attract the interest of investors or theater companies. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

Mariah returned carrying a tea tray, piled high with pastries from the German bakery, an optimistic extravagance. — CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Tucker returned its leading passer, rusher, receiver and nine of its 11 leading tacklers from a 6-5 2025 team, making coach Lonnie Smith optimistic for something big in 2026. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 10 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

optimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for optimistic

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

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