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
: 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
Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 11 Apr. 2025
Duchin’s bouncy upbeat belied their experience that love is rarely unadulterated joy.
—Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Lisa Vernon Sparks, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2025
For the big reveal, the upbeat gamer livestreamed the launch event on her Twitch channel from her hometown of Monterrey, Mexico.
—Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upbeat
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Noun
He was born with congenital muscular dystrophy which limits his physical abilities, but not his upbeat, can-do attitude.
—Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 11 Apr. 2025
Duchin’s bouncy upbeat belied their experience that love is rarely unadulterated joy.
—Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
There’s a lot of upbeat, high-energy dancing that’s very entertaining and accessible.
—Lisa Vernon Sparks, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2025
For the big reveal, the upbeat gamer livestreamed the launch event on her Twitch channel from her hometown of Monterrey, Mexico.
—Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for upbeat
Cite this Entry
“Upbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upbeat. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
upbeat
1 of 2 noun
up·beat
ˈəp-ˌbēt 
: 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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