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 So there was just a lot of optimism at the time around tech and the internet. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The Los Angeles Angels are a disaster once again, but there is finally some reason for optimism. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 Advocates hope — with varying degrees of optimism — that the result will help close the gaping disparities in how different demographic groups perform. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 Farmers are tracking grain prices closely, and recent rallies are adding to the optimism, Peterson said. — Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for optimism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for optimism
  1. hopefulness
  2. brightness
  3. cheerfulness
Noun
  • 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
  • The other half is King’s reaction, memorized by fans who grew up in the hopefulness of the Rose years.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
Definition of hopefulness
Noun
  • These zones adjust their brightness according to the content on screen, dimming darker areas while maintaining brightness in highlights.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The brightness and satisfying variety in textures and flavors brought me back to life after a long day of dancing and eating.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of brightness
Noun
  • 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
  • Kikuko sometimes mistook Shigejiro’s cheerfulness for egoism owing to the distortions produced by her illness.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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