silver lining

noun

: a consoling or hopeful prospect

Examples of silver lining in a Sentence

If there's a silver lining to losing my job, it's that I'll now be able to go to school full-time and finish my degree earlier.
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.
Pratt even found a silver lining in the detour. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025 Every silver lining has come with at least a little cloud trailing in its wake. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025 The silver lining for New York had been its penalties, or lack thereof, after last week. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025 Quick hits There are some silver linings to Michigan State football's 45-31 loss to USC on Saturday. Christian Romo, Freep.com, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for silver lining

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase "every cloud has a silver lining"

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silver lining was in 1871

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silver lining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silver%20lining. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

silver lining

noun
: a consoling or hopeful prospect
looked for the silver lining in a bad situation
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!