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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Betting against Kansas City just feels like wishful thinking at this point. Hannah Vanbiber, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 In a world of constant change, visualization is more than wishful thinking. Robert B. Tucker, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Adding fuel to fans’ wishful thinking were billboards that popped up around the country last month teasing the album. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2025 The idea that globalization is dead is kind of wishful thinking for some. William Gavin, Quartz, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wishful thinking was in 1932

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Cite this Entry

“Wishful thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wishful%20thinking. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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