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

Nevertheless, Bowie’s composure helped maintain the flow, keeping the set upbeat despite these obstacles. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026

Tyler is an upbeat, engaged presence, a blur of motion in a bow tie or snappy hat, delivering plates or uncorking bottles of wine. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Warner appeared upbeat — and healthy — in the locker room after Tuesday’s light work, and he’s expected to address the media before Wednesday’s practice. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026

There’s some upbeat pop music, like Andy Grammar. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 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