optimism

[op-tuh-miz-uhm] / ˈɒp təˌmɪz əm /

NOUN

state of having positive beliefs

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipation certainty confidence elation enthusiasm expectation happiness idealism trust

STRONG

assurance brightness buoyancy calmness cheer cheerfulness easiness encouragement exhilaration hopefulness positivism sanguineness sureness

WEAK

good cheer looking on bright side rose-colored glasses

Antonyms

STRONGEST

depression distrust doubt fear sadness sorrow uncertainty unhappiness

STRONG

discouragement gloom

WEAK

hopelessness pessimism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And, while I typically follow the side of optimism, I question whether the nation has the will to bring this honorable trait back, front and center.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Wall Street’s optimism rests on a specific analogy.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

"With markets surging amid optimism that the war is soon going to end, and the Hormuz Strait to open, markets are now more cautious," wrote Fawad Razaqzada, an analyst at FOREX.com.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Shares were up 38% over the past 12 months, reflecting some investor optimism that Boeing was making progress.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

I appreciated her optimism, but I worried, too.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Vocabulary lists containing optimism

Words for a New Year

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Power Suffix: -ism

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Starting Your New Life: Inspiring Words from Commencement Speeches

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