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

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

He was born with congenital muscular dystrophy which limits his physical abilities, but not his upbeat, can-do attitude. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 11 Apr. 2025

Duchin’s bouncy upbeat belied their experience that love is rarely unadulterated joy. —Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025

Adjective

Learn to Line Dance: Learn the basic steps of line dancing to fun, easy dances and upbeat music. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 July 2025

During a video interview from New York before leaving for the last day of shooting, Hall’s upbeat demeanor was a clear indication that Dexter’s life after death agrees with him. —Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025

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