optimism

noun

op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm How to pronounce optimism (audio)
Synonyms of optimism
1
: a doctrine that this world is the best possible world
2
: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome
expressed optimism about the future of the business
the optimism of cheerleaders

Synonyms of optimism

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Examples of optimism in a Sentence

Both of them expressed optimism about the future of the town. The early sales reports are cause for optimism. There is growing optimism that the problem can be corrected. He maintains a sense of optimism, despite all that has happened.
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.
Early vote signals More than 830,000 Georgians have already cast early ballots, and there’s plenty in the first wave of turnout data to give Democrats reason for optimism. — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026 The women face these challenges amid shifting winds of optimism and despair. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 As a result, commentary on AI spending intentions — and how it will be funded — are going to counterbalance the Muse optimism as analysts put pen to paper. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026 Their defense had surrendered 83 points in consecutive blowout losses to Missouri and South Carolina, and the optimism surrounding new coach Jon Sumrall had evaporated faster than a puddle on a Gainesville sidewalk in August. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optimism

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French optimisme, from Latin optimum "the best, optimum" + French -isme -ism

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of optimism was in 1759

Rhymes for optimism

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Browse Nearby Words

optimisation
optimism
optimist
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

optimism

noun
op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm How to pronounce optimism (audio)
: a habit of expecting everything to turn out for the best

Medical Definition

optimism

noun
op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm How to pronounce optimism (audio)
: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome
optimist
-məst How to pronounce optimism (audio)
noun
optimistic
ˌäp-tə-ˈmis-tik How to pronounce optimism (audio)
adjective
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