optimism
noun
op·ti·mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm 
1
: a doctrine that this world is the best possible world
2
: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome
expressed optimism about the future of the business
the optimism of cheerleaders
Synonyms
- bullishness
- sanguinity
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Both of them expressed optimism about the future of the town. The early sales reports are cause for optimism. There is growing optimism that the problem can be corrected. He maintains a sense of optimism, despite all that has happened.
Recent Examples on the Web His optimism was infectious and as reliable as the sunrise. 
Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2022 The search for love is one of the most important quests of a person’s life, hooks maintains, and her firm optimism that everyone can cultivate a connection filled with mutual growth and openness inspires hope. Chelsea Leu, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2022 Since 2020, Curry has increasingly appreciated that his optimism and marketability need not be reserved for basketball fans and sneaker executives. Matt Sullivan, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2022 But Chickie is obstinate in his cockeyed optimism, even when he’s being shot at in a foxhole with no weapon. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 13 Sep. 2022 Throughout his tenure as CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, one of Eric Gordon’s most defining qualities has been his optimism. Cameron Fields, cleveland, 13 Sep. 2022 Liu captivates with his sturdy optimism and his ability to see humor in every situation. The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Aug. 2022 Gates was banking on more than just his trademark optimism about addressing climate change and other seemingly intractable problems that have been his focus since stepping down as Microsoft’s chief executive two decades ago. James Freeman, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2022 Whittington knows reality rarely delivers the feel-good ending, but even that knowledge hasn’t dulled his bright-eyed optimism. Nick Moyle, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Aug. 2022 See More
Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2022 The search for love is one of the most important quests of a person’s life, hooks maintains, and her firm optimism that everyone can cultivate a connection filled with mutual growth and openness inspires hope. Chelsea Leu, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2022 Since 2020, Curry has increasingly appreciated that his optimism and marketability need not be reserved for basketball fans and sneaker executives. Matt Sullivan, Rolling Stone, 13 Sep. 2022 But Chickie is obstinate in his cockeyed optimism, even when he’s being shot at in a foxhole with no weapon. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 13 Sep. 2022 Throughout his tenure as CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, one of Eric Gordon’s most defining qualities has been his optimism. Cameron Fields, cleveland, 13 Sep. 2022 Liu captivates with his sturdy optimism and his ability to see humor in every situation. The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Aug. 2022 Gates was banking on more than just his trademark optimism about addressing climate change and other seemingly intractable problems that have been his focus since stepping down as Microsoft’s chief executive two decades ago. James Freeman, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2022 Whittington knows reality rarely delivers the feel-good ending, but even that knowledge hasn’t dulled his bright-eyed optimism. Nick Moyle, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
borrowed from French optimisme, from Latin optimum "the best, optimum" + French -isme -ism
First Known Use
1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
optimism
noun
op·ti·mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm
: a feeling or belief that good things will happen
Medical Definition
optimism
noun
op·ti·mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm
: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome
optimism
noun
as in hopefulness
an inclination to believe in the most favorable outcome your perpetual optimism even when things look bleak Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- hopefulness
- cheerfulness
- brightness
- bullishness
- sanguinity
- idealism
- hope
- sunniness
- perkiness
- meliorism
- rosiness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- pessimism
- skepticism
- concern
- cynicism
- apprehension
- despair
- caution
- hopelessness
- desperation
- discouragement
- bearishness
- gloom
- pragmatism
- realism
- bleakness
- gloominess
- disheartenment
- cheerlessness
- dreariness