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.
Last season, however, should provide some optimism that their team might be on an unexpected upswing. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Hopes for an imminent US-Iran deal to end the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz added to optimism that oil and gas, along with other key products, would again start flowing freely after more than five months of war. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 That same optimism extends to the defensive side of the ball, where FIU projects to be a stronger unit heading into 2026. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026 New Glenn is therefore offline at least until the end of 2026, and despite the company’s professed optimism about returning to flight rapidly, probably into the early months of 2027. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on optimism

Nglish: Translation of optimism for Spanish Speakers

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