optimistic
adjective
op·ti·mis·tic
ˌäp-tə-ˈmi-stik 
: of, relating to, or characterized by optimism : feeling or showing hope for the future
an optimistic outlook
an optimistic economic forecast
a person with a hopeful, optimistic nature
I'm feeling optimistic about our chances.
The streets in question were magnificent commercial thoroughfares, … brimming with heavy streams of eager life—young, fresh, optimistic.—
Theodore Dreiser
Theodore Dreiser
optimistically
adverb
thinking optimistically about the future
an optimistically upbeat forecast
Optimistically, he anticipates that nuclear weapons … will never be used in war again …
—Russell F. Weigley
Russell F. Weigley
Examples of optimistic in a Sentence
the economic predictions for the coming year are actually quite optimistic
Recent Examples on the Web
Bierle's also optimistic because high beef prices are one of the few bright spots in the farm economy right now.
—Kirk Siegler, NPR, 29 Dec. 2025
Zalewski is not so optimistic about amenities as value drivers.
—Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
That said, Saleh is optimistic about Darden achieving its guidance, as beef costs appear to have peaked, labor cost pressures are easing, and management is relying slightly on price increases to offset commodity costs.
—Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2025
Despairing over thoughts that he's wasted his life, Kanji searches for meaning in his remaining months on Earth, finding solace in an optimistic young woman who inspires him to finally make a difference in the world.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optimistic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kirk Siegler, NPR, 29 Dec. 2025
Zalewski is not so optimistic about amenities as value drivers.
—Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
That said, Saleh is optimistic about Darden achieving its guidance, as beef costs appear to have peaked, labor cost pressures are easing, and management is relying slightly on price increases to offset commodity costs.
—Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2025
Despairing over thoughts that he's wasted his life, Kanji searches for meaning in his remaining months on Earth, finding solace in an optimistic young woman who inspires him to finally make a difference in the world.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for optimistic
Cite this Entry
“Optimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimistic. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share