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

Charlotte, North Carolina — The upbeat, Spanish music still floats through the aisles of Sav/Way Foods, the Latino supermarket in the heart of the bustling and boisterous Plaza Midwood neighborhood. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025

The singer, dressed in red and accompanied by a band and two back-up singers, showcased the upbeat, jazzy track with theatrical flair. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2025

Adjective

But as these things go, a 10% collective projection qualifies as rather upbeat – the average strategist target has been at or below the index level most of this year. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2025

Simultaneously, the same cohort expressed greater confidence in their ability to marry someday and more upbeat opinions about the institution itself. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 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