silver lining

noun

: a consoling or hopeful prospect

Examples of silver lining in a Sentence

If there's a silver lining to losing my job, it's that I'll now be able to go to school full-time and finish my degree earlier.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There's one silver lining amid this rash of injuries -- tight end/fullback Nate Adkins was a full-go Wednesday and looks on track to play against the Chargers. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Sep. 2025 And Kyle Schwarber was even able to find a silver lining in being dominated by Ohtani. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 The silver lining is that most denials, if appealed, are overturned. Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025 The prolific singer-songwriter discusses the silver lining of grief, her everlasting obsession with nature, and her new album, Neon Grey Midnight Green. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for silver lining

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase "every cloud has a silver lining"

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silver lining was in 1871

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Cite this Entry

“Silver lining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silver%20lining. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

silver lining

noun
: a consoling or hopeful prospect
looked for the silver lining in a bad situation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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