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

Draft the pitch and edit the newsletter so your plan lands plainly, and keep the tone upbeat. —Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026

Adventure blends with delight as pleasure-seeking Venus moves into your 9th House of Exploration, inviting upbeat, patient learning and joyful cultural curiosity. —Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026

Adjective

Critics and fans are all pretty upbeat about Dutton Ranch, with an 89% / 85% critic-audience split. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

For the most part, analysts are upbeat on the Birkenstock brand. —Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 18 June 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