upbeat

1 of 2

noun

up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt How to pronounce upbeat (audio)
Synonyms of upbeatnext
1
: an unaccented beat or portion of a beat in a musical measure
specifically : the last beat of the measure
2
: an increase in activity or prosperity
business that is on the upbeat

upbeat

2 of 2

adjective

: cheerful, optimistic
I'm feeling upbeat today

Examples of upbeat in a Sentence

Adjective I like a story with an upbeat ending. I tried to stay upbeat about losing the election.
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.
Noun
However, the endorphins and adrenaline from his workout session aren’t the only things that have the rapper upbeat. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 26 June 2026 Draft the pitch and edit the newsletter so your plan lands plainly, and keep the tone upbeat. Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Adjective
The upbeat occasion delighted fans, many of whom have been with Swift on her journey for decades. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 4 July 2026 The upbeat reaction is hardly a surprise to us — Jim has recently stepped up his calls for Meta to start a cloud business, predicting the struggling stock would soar in response. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for upbeat

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upbeat was in 1869

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upbeat. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

upbeat

1 of 2 noun
up·​beat ˈəp-ˌbēt How to pronounce upbeat (audio)
: an unaccented beat in a musical measure
especially : the last beat of the measure

upbeat

2 of 2 adjective
: optimistic, cheerful
an upbeat story

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