wishful thinking

noun

: the attribution of reality to what one wishes to be true or the tenuous justification of what one wants to believe

Examples of wishful thinking in a Sentence

The idea that the enemy will immediately surrender is nothing more than wishful thinking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That is costly wishful thinking. Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026 Now, the wait is on to see if such hopes were prescient or just wishful thinking. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026 Peters suggests any claim that the problem can be solved simply through economic growth is wishful thinking at best. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 The bottom line is that hoping a cold winter will mean fewer pests is wishful thinking. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wishful thinking was in 1932

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Cite this Entry

“Wishful thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wishful%20thinking. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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