optimism

noun

ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm How to pronounce optimism (audio)
Definition of optimismnext
as in hopefulness
an inclination to believe in the most favorable outcome your perpetual optimism even when things look bleak

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of optimism When a small team of Google engineers first began tinkering with self-driving Priuses, an Obama-era optimism about technology’s promise still prevailed. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Duncombe’s friends remember her sunny spirit, boisterous and infectious laugh, unbridled optimism and passion for new experiences. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Despite the optimism and current momentum from supporters, plenty of things could still go sideways. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 Organic revenue, net revenue and an earnings per share beat were all keys to Thursday's optimism according to Cramer. — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optimism
  1. hopefulness
  2. brightness
  3. cheerfulness
Noun
  • Gays are actually staying in Jamaica, which tells me there’s now a sort of hopefulness.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Hope and persistence pay off Some of the happiest children are those who maintain a sense of hopefulness and possibility.
    — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of hopefulness
Noun
  • Lasting less than 60 days and consisting of two 5-day blasts, this episode saw a doubling of the X-ray brightness of the AGN at the heart of NGC 1275.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026
  • My test unit's IPS screen is well-suited to office work, with enough brightness for most environments and complete coverage of the sRGB color space.
    — Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of brightness
Noun
  • Leaders, in particular, have the power to shift the mood of their teams, not by pretending everything is fine or manufacturing cheerfulness but through tone, body language, and small actions.
    — Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The service Professionalism comes with genuine warmth, cheerfulness, and a sense of people absolutely loving their jobs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheerfulness

Browse Nearby Words

optimally
optimism
optimist
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Cite this Entry

“Optimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optimism. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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