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
For now, that’s wishful thinking, with vegasinsiders.com giving the Dolphins the 13th-longest odds to make the playoffs and a cornerback group that ESPN’s Mina Kimes justifiably calls the worst in football.
—
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
Though there’s no formal design manifesto from NFL Properties confirming it, the idea is far from just wishful thinking.
—Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2025
Other contributions on the court would be surprising, if not wishful thinking next season.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
The workforce component should help inform other critical decisions; without it, strategic planning easily can become wishful thinking.
—Julia Dhar, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking
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Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
Though there’s no formal design manifesto from NFL Properties confirming it, the idea is far from just wishful thinking.
—Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2025
Other contributions on the court would be surprising, if not wishful thinking next season.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025
The workforce component should help inform other critical decisions; without it, strategic planning easily can become wishful thinking.
—Julia Dhar, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
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 6 Aug. 2025.
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