optimistic

[op-tuh-mis-tik] / ˌɒp təˈmɪs tɪk /

ADJECTIVE

believing positively

Synonyms

STRONG

assured bright buoyant cheerful cheering confident encouraged expectant happy high hopeful hoping idealistic keeping the faith merry on cloud nine on top of world positive promising ray of sunshine rose-colored rosy sanguine sunny trusting utopian

Antonyms

STRONG

dejected depressed doubtful gloomy hopeless pessimistic sorrowful

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.

Yet just days after they reached an agreement for “Tower,” Greenwald was fired and replaced by a new leader, Elliot Grainge, about whom the band felt less than optimistic.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

They’re staying optimistic on stocks, while acknowledging risks are rising.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

"There's a lot of mystery and things that are undisclosed but I've become more optimistic that people are going to be able to discover things that we have not been allowed to discover."

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

“Assuming inflation does not materially worsen versus expectations, we are optimistic on an improving ad market in FY27,” the analyst writes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

I gave a shrug that was meant to look optimistic but was probably closer to indifferent.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Vocabulary lists containing optimistic

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Positive Words to Describe a Person

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!