optimism

noun

op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm 

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

• hopefulness
• brightness
• cheerfulness

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

Katie Kirby has created an unforgettable character whose humour, vulnerability, and optimism have captured the hearts of readers around the world. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

Other online missives expressed optimism, but many revealed some combination of grief, confusion, and fear. — Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026

Mauricio Pochettino’s new-look group has youth, some bravado, and even now enough collectiveness to give the coach and those around the program significant optimism. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Ramona Bass, chairman of the Fort Worth Zoo, expressed optimism about the cubs' arrival in a press release on Friday. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for optimism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Kids Definition

optimism

noun

op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm 

: a habit of expecting everything to turn out for the best

Medical Definition

optimism

noun

op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm 

: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome

optimist

-məst 

noun

optimistic

ˌäp-tə-ˈmis-tik 

adjective