optimistic

adjective

ˌäp-tə-ˈmi-stik How to pronounce optimistic (audio)
Definition of optimisticnext
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope the economic predictions for the coming year are actually quite optimistic

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 optimistic However, the situation is less optimistic in the wide receivers room. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Oct. 2026 Coach Paul Maurice said the optimistic window for Barkov, a team captain and one of South Florida’s top athletes, to return is six to eight weeks. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 Yes, Horn and Mike Jackson are out until probably Week 12, and that’s on the optimistic side of things. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026 In July, Puma reported a slip in sales in the second quarter, but the company’s bosses remain optimistic that their plan to bring the brand back to growth by 2027 is on the right track. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optimistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optimistic
  1. promising
  2. bright
  3. hopeful
Adjective
  • Tens of millions of American children recently gained access to a promising wealth-building tool, though many of their parents probably aren’t even aware of it.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026
  • For chipmakers, the practical focus of the new center is on reducing the gap between finding a promising material and proving that it can be reliably manufactured at the scale and quality required for semiconductor production.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • Le is particularly fond of the store’s Thai green bananas, which remain bright green even when fully ripe and develop an intensely sweet flavor.
    — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Leaning into its history, Kessler has outfitted the hotel with installations that channel the Jurassic period, including life size dinosaur skeletons and fossils, backlit in a range of bright colors, displayed throughout the walls.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • But having to navigate designing a hopeful film, one devoid of an antagonist that also heralds a positive view of AI, was a challenge in its own right.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Democratic Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico has been racking up endorsements from the likes of Don Henley and the Chicks ahead of the November midterm elections.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of hopeful

Browse Nearby Words

optimist
optimistic
optimistically
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Cite this Entry

“Optimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optimistic. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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