upbeat

1 of 2

noun

up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt 

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

upbeat

2 of 2

adjective

: cheerful, optimistic

I'm feeling upbeat today

Synonyms

Adjective

• blithe
• blithesome
• bright
• buoyant
• canty [British dialect]
• cheerful
• cheery
• chipper
• eupeptic
• gay
• gladsome
• lightsome
• sunny
• winsome

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

Noun

Duchin’s bouncy upbeat belied their experience that love is rarely unadulterated joy. —Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025

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

Adjective

The overall enthusiasm of attendees appeared upbeat. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

The Goodison Park crowd has thrilled at Moyes’ reappointment (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) Another aim has been to instil more confidence in the group and create a more upbeat environment. —Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for upbeat

• amit
• athlete
• backseat
• blackfeet
• broadsheet
• browbeat
• buckwheat
• compete
• compleat
• complete
• conceit
• concrete

Kids 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