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.

Investors watch oil prices closely as a sudden spike can lead to a recession, he said, but recent trading action highlighted optimism that the energy-supply disruption triggered by the Iran conflict might be short-lived.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Sony Pictures Entertainment's presentation marked the start of CinemaCon, which this year focuses on optimism over the year's strong start at the box office.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Analysts anticipate optimism from defense contractors’ upcoming earnings, citing a $1.5 trillion budget request and demand for weapons.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

“We expect optimism about a quick end to the Iran war to fade,” CBA says in a research note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

I thought a lot about American optimism when, on a flight from Chicago to San Francisco, I watched one of those video magazines stitched together from a week's worth of soft network news reports.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

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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