wishful thinking
noun
: the attribution of reality to what one wishes to be true or the tenuous justification of what one wants to believe
Examples of wishful thinking in a Sentence
The idea that the enemy will immediately surrender is nothing more than wishful thinking.
Recent Examples on the Web
What could be tested during this time are your ability to see reality over wishful thinking, self-confidence despite setbacks, feeling lovable even if someone doesn’t come through, showing up even if someone else doesn’t.
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Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2026
Dreaming of real change like that, is, naturally, wishful thinking.
—Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026
In the series, Swisher will investigate movements promoting longevity and anti-aging, seeking to differentiate real science from wishful thinking.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
That could be merely some wishful thinking from the skipper, or it could be informed by the workouts and progress Thomson has seen up close.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking
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Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2026
Dreaming of real change like that, is, naturally, wishful thinking.
—Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026
In the series, Swisher will investigate movements promoting longevity and anti-aging, seeking to differentiate real science from wishful thinking.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 Jan. 2026
That could be merely some wishful thinking from the skipper, or it could be informed by the workouts and progress Thomson has seen up close.
—Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking
Cite this Entry
“Wishful thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wishful%20thinking. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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