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
But such unequivocal pronouncements feel more like wishful thinking than political analysis.
—
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025
He’s only played third base since signing and that’s his best long-term outcome; that seemed like wishful thinking as recently as 2023, but his improved conditioning gives him a chance to stay there, with first base or right field also possibilities.
—Keith Law, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
That is almost certainly hyperbole fueled by wishful thinking.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 25 Feb. 2025
Betting that the market itself will act as a natural check on policy has been, at best, wishful thinking.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking
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The New Yorker, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2025
He’s only played third base since signing and that’s his best long-term outcome; that seemed like wishful thinking as recently as 2023, but his improved conditioning gives him a chance to stay there, with first base or right field also possibilities.
—Keith Law, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
That is almost certainly hyperbole fueled by wishful thinking.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 25 Feb. 2025
Betting that the market itself will act as a natural check on policy has been, at best, wishful thinking.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking
Cite this Entry
“Wishful thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wishful%20thinking. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
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