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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Hosted by actor Casey Wilson, the reunion is an upbeat, feel-good affair, highlighting some of Season 1’s most memorable moments and faces.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Not everyone on Wall Street is upbeat on Netflix’s outlook.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for upbeat
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Noun
Luxury ships often lean stodgy, yet Silver Nova offers that upbeat, higher-energy feel that upper-premium and premium lines provide.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Hosted by actor Casey Wilson, the reunion is an upbeat, feel-good affair, highlighting some of Season 1’s most memorable moments and faces.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Just in Time’s a sparkling, upbeat throwback, and Francis is a first-act love interest.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
Not everyone on Wall Street is upbeat on Netflix’s outlook.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for upbeat
Cite this Entry
“Upbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upbeat. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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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