silver lining

noun

: a consoling or hopeful prospect

Examples of silver lining in a Sentence

If there's a silver lining to losing my job, it's that I'll now be able to go to school full-time and finish my degree earlier.
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.
But perhaps there’s a silver lining for others with ambitions for high office. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 And, despite not being the biggest fan of weddings, Ferguson shared a sweet silver lining. — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026 Influencer Jen Hamilton is finding a silver lining in her divorce. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 31 July 2026 The silver lining is that, at least for now, the grapes remain relatively unscathed. — Kate Dingwall, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for silver lining

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase "every cloud has a silver lining"

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silver lining was in 1871

Rhymes for silver lining

See All Rhymes for silver lining

Browse Nearby Words

silverling
silver lining
silver lip
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silver lining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silver%20lining. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

silver lining

noun
: a consoling or hopeful prospect
looked for the silver lining in a bad situation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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