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

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

While the energy services company missed expectations for third-quarter revenue from analysts polled by FactSet, investors appeared pleased with upbeat sales commentary. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025

This emotional confidence will encourage upbeat times socializing with others, as well as exploring sports events and fun activities with kids. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 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