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.
But the way the storyline wraps ups — with one of the three billionaires, Logan Lerman’s Jay, deciding to step up and own his role in the season’s shady dealings, therefore taking himself down alongside his other culprits — was certainly some wishful thinking that could, one day, prove prophetic. Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025 But the ones still hoping their team would win each week -- those fans had to think this afternoon was a daydream, wishful thinking. Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025 But, in retrospect, that optimism appears to have been Kremlin wishful thinking too. Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 Is this partly wishful thinking? Andrew Greif, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2025 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 5 Nov. 2025.

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