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
One school of wishful thinking features curious coaching decisions, stars sitting for entire fourth quarters or whole games, timeouts going uncalled.
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Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
Perhaps wishful thinking, but Xabi Alonso is a free agent and well down the list at 33/1.
—Peter South, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
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.
—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
See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking
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Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 15 Feb. 2026
Perhaps wishful thinking, but Xabi Alonso is a free agent and well down the list at 33/1.
—Peter South, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
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.
—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
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 23 Feb. 2026.
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