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.
Having a fresher top unit is one of the few silver linings as Boston shifts its focus to Saturday’s must-win clash on Causeway Street. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026 That was kind of the silver lining. Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 But at least the show from his teammates has been a silver lining. Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 But a new report from Insurify shows any silver lining to drivers cutting back on miles is incredibly thin. Contessa Brewer,dawn Giel, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 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 3 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

silver lining

noun
: a consoling or hopeful prospect
looked for the silver lining in a bad situation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster