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
: cheerful, optimistic
I'm feeling upbeat today
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
Michael Santoli, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Lower-rate expectations are keeping Wall Street upbeat, even as the labor market stagnates.
—Benzinga, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Described as helpful, positive and upbeat.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upbeat
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Noun
An upbeat but not-quite-euphoric market response to the Fed cutting rates into a firm economy , while projecting at least a bit more rate relief to come.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Lower-rate expectations are keeping Wall Street upbeat, even as the labor market stagnates.
—Benzinga, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Burnett expected her team to match her mood of upbeat magnanimity.
—Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Described as helpful, positive and upbeat.
—Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upbeat
Cite this Entry
“Upbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upbeat. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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