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Definitions

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.

But 92 minutes in Manchester quickly did for any such optimism, with the number of potential trophies that might garnish Salah's farewell swiftly halved.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Even so, there is a curious — and hopefully not delusional — optimism in classical music, L.A. style.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Oil tumbled and stocks jumped as traders met overnight headlines on the Middle East with optimism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

A key reason for his optimism is that the company’s ultrahigh-net-worth target customer owns an average of 3.7 homes, while billionaires own 10, on average.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

The blind man was encouraged out of his despair by the optimism in Leader’s voice.

From "Messenger" by Lois Lowry

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.