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
: cheerful, optimistic
I'm feeling upbeat today
Synonyms
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
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Despite the upbeat, fighting talk, the talk session rounded off with a succession of audience questions which variously asked how Hong Kong martial arts could be saved, promoted or taught.
Hung, returning to his habitual ebullient mode, had no doubt.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Despite the cautious outlook, Fed Chair Jerome Powell sounded an upbeat note on the state of the U.S. economy, especially relative to how other countries have performed.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for upbeat 
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Noun
That track, which is now more than 20 years old, supplies the chorus of the new upbeat, dance-pop tune, and it’s worked well enough to entice a large audience to purchase the cut.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
Despite the upbeat, fighting talk, the talk session rounded off with a succession of audience questions which variously asked how Hong Kong martial arts could be saved, promoted or taught.
Hung, returning to his habitual ebullient mode, had no doubt.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Isn’t there anything upbeat to say about this emerging means of using generative AI?
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Despite the cautious outlook, Fed Chair Jerome Powell sounded an upbeat note on the state of the U.S. economy, especially relative to how other countries have performed.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for upbeat
Dictionary Entries Near upbeat
Cite this Entry
“Upbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upbeat. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
upbeat
1 of 2 noun
up·beat
ˈəp-ˌbēt 
: an unaccented beat in a musical measure
especially
: the last beat of the measure
upbeat
2 of 2 adjective
: optimistic, cheerful
an upbeat story
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