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

• bullishness
• sanguinity

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

On Tuesday, signs of that optimism finally began to appear. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025

Even among Democrats, only about a third expressed any optimism for their party. —Susan Page, USA Today, 20 May 2025

The series of problems has tested the couple’s optimism. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 19 May 2025

Her erratic moods and default to self-destruct impacts all of her relationships as moments of levity erupt into violence and optimism simmers to despair. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 May 2025

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
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

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