upbeat

1 of 2

noun

up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt How to pronounce upbeat (audio)
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

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
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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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upbeat was in 1869

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Cite this Entry

“Upbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upbeat. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

upbeat

1 of 2 noun
up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt How to pronounce upbeat (audio)
: an unaccented beat in a musical measure
especially : the last beat of the measure

upbeat

2 of 2 adjective
: optimistic, cheerful
an upbeat story

More from Merriam-Webster on upbeat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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