upbeat

1 of 2

noun

up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt 

1

: an unaccented beat or portion of a beat in a musical measure

specifically : the last beat of the measure

2

: an increase in activity or prosperity

business that is on the upbeat

upbeat

2 of 2

adjective

: cheerful, optimistic

I'm feeling upbeat today

Synonyms of upbeat

Adjective

• cheerful
• optimistic
• bright

Examples of upbeat in a Sentence

Adjective

I like a story with an upbeat ending.

I tried to stay upbeat about losing the election.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Hosted by actor Casey Wilson, the reunion is an upbeat, feel-good affair, highlighting some of Season 1’s most memorable moments and faces. —Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

Keep your tone upbeat, ask precise questions, and include breaks in your schedule. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026

Adjective

The nearly 3-minute song promotes confidence and self-expression with an upbeat tune. —Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026

Add in the stigma of Dieselgate, poor reliability ratings, and tariff costs, and VW’s attempt at a confident, upbeat Atlas launch was somewhat hard to watch. —New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for upbeat

• amit
• athlete
• backseat
• blackfeet
• broadsheet
• browbeat
• buckwheat
• compete
• compleat
• complete
• conceit
• concrete

Kids Definition

upbeat

1 of 2 noun

up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt 

: an unaccented beat in a musical measure

especially : the last beat of the measure

upbeat

2 of 2 adjective

: optimistic, cheerful

an upbeat story