upbeat

1 of 2

noun

up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt How to pronounce upbeat (audio)
Synonyms of upbeatnext
1
: an unaccented beat or portion of a beat in a musical measure
specifically : the last beat of the measure
2
: an increase in activity or prosperity
business that is on the upbeat

upbeat

2 of 2

adjective

: cheerful, optimistic
I'm feeling upbeat today

Synonyms of upbeat

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of upbeat in a Sentence

Adjective I like a story with an upbeat ending. I tried to stay upbeat about losing the election.
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.
Noun
The company is known in part for its upbeat, booming music, which community members in Santa Rosa County, Florida, complained about. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 However, the endorphins and adrenaline from his workout session aren’t the only things that have the rapper upbeat. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
As the curtain closes on an upbeat summer box office, the team behind The Invite has reason to cheer. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026 The video was set to an upbeat Haitian song, its imagery prompting outrage and condemnation from Haitians and immigrant rights activists. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upbeat

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upbeat was in 1869

Rhymes for upbeat

See All Rhymes for upbeat

Browse Nearby Words

upbear
upbeat
upbend
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upbeat. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

upbeat

1 of 2 noun
up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt How to pronounce upbeat (audio)
: an unaccented beat in a musical measure
especially : the last beat of the measure

upbeat

2 of 2 adjective
: optimistic, cheerful
an upbeat story
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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