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 that optimism has grown this year with the rise of Anthropic, which has focused on subscription-based coding tools for businesses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The way she played the closing hole, especially, inspires such optimism.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

To be sure, May’s strong jobs report should underpin economic optimism.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 7, 2026

For years, clean energy has been where investor optimism went to die.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Dimple looked at his eager, open face, at the optimism and cheerfulness there, and felt her resolve melting.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

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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