wishful thinking

noun

: the attribution of reality to what one wishes to be true or the tenuous justification of what one wants to believe

Examples of wishful thinking in a Sentence

The idea that the enemy will immediately surrender is nothing more than wishful thinking.

Recent Examples on the Web

Research shows this is wishful thinking: These laws do not improve communication or decision-making, and instead harm adolescents. —Kate Coleman-Minahan, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025

Ah, yes, Lilian claims not to have any interest in the strangers but what wishful thinking that is! —Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025

The belief that 30,000 European troops could stabilize Ukraine without U.S. involvement is wishful thinking at best and reckless at worst. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025

Maybe a team would be desperate enough to consider parting with a first-round pick, but that might be wishful thinking. —Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for wishful thinking

• interlinking
• blinking
• clinking
• drinking
• inking
• kinking
• linking
• shrinking
• sinking
• slinking
• stinking
• winking