as in hopefulness
an inclination to believe in the most favorable outcome
your perpetual optimism even when things look bleak
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of optimism
Victor Rillet, a 21-year-old Frenchman, disembarked the steamship Washington in New York in October 1864, carrying the kind of optimism that fuels both great innovation and spectacular disappointment.
—
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
But each work extends at least some optimism, including by recognizing the gift that is human connection.
—Celia Wren, Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2026
Though Mahan came in seventh among 11 candidates, his campaign voiced optimism.
—Grace Hase, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
The optimism index has dipped recently, but remained above its 52-year average of 98, as small businesses’ enthusiasm is generally higher now than in 2025.
—Victoria Baeza Garcia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for optimism
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
But each work extends at least some optimism, including by recognizing the gift that is human connection.
—Celia Wren, Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2026
Though Mahan came in seventh among 11 candidates, his campaign voiced optimism.
—Grace Hase, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
The optimism index has dipped recently, but remained above its 52-year average of 98, as small businesses’ enthusiasm is generally higher now than in 2025.
—Victoria Baeza Garcia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for optimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optimism
Noun
-
Imaginative Neptune meanders into your 11th House of Social Causes, encouraging kinder connections — the sort of relationships that further creative endeavors and amp up hopefulness.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Jan. 2026
-
In a world in which communities can often sit uncomfortably with conservation, Wilderness offers a framework for balance that is not just a philosophy, but a practice, offering a sense of hopefulness as well as a window into what will ultimately sustain this slice of paradise—for all its dwellers.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Cardamom brings a cozy warmth, iris and violet add brightness, and sandalwood and cedarwood give it that signature leathery edge.—
Allure,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2026
-
But cinema brings something like brightness and hope.—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
His cheerfulness and laughter often brought strength and refreshment to me in difficult times.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Raines replied, her usual cheerfulness stepping up a notch.—
Rebecca Boone,
Fortune,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Optimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optimism. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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