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 And Nash is optimistic his show will also be licensed for distribution in the United States. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 Even the volatility in memory stocks and semiconductors this year isn't keeping him from holding an optimistic view of the short-term market outlook. — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026 Canales provided an optimistic update on Ekwonu in his recovery from patellar tendon surgery, but stopped short of saying the fifth-year left tackle would be ready for Week 1. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Today’s astro-weather favors clarity rather than being blindly optimistic. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optimistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optimistic
  1. promising
  2. bright
  3. hopeful
Adjective
  • Connecting people with clinical trials is complicated — even if people identify a promising match, there’s a slew of potentially thorny factors, including geographic incompatibility, and financial and time considerations.
    — Michelle Andrews, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
  • But this is one of the most powerful stamina boosting supplements out there, with promising data emerging on brain health, too.
    — Diana Helmuth, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • That same day, hundreds of women gathered outside the courthouse where Clancy is standing trial, wearing bright pink, in an attempt to raise awareness around maternal mental health.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • If these headsets move to 'see through' or augmented reality, the solution will likely require a MicroLED to be bright enough to compete with the daytime sun and surroundings of a drone pilot on the battlefield.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • Max Fried returned to the IL last week for a bone bruise in his left elbow — his second such stint — but the Yankees remain hopeful their co-ace can be activated after the minimum 15 days.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • As public frustration with the economy mounts and Trump’s approval rating sinks, Democrats have become hopeful their party will retake power in Congress.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of hopeful

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Cite this Entry

“Optimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/optimistic. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on optimistic

Nglish: Translation of optimistic for Spanish Speakers

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