optimism

[op-tuh-miz-uhm] / ˈɒp təˌmɪz əm /

NOUN

state of having positive beliefs

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipation certainty confidence elation enthusiasm expectation happiness idealism trust

STRONG

assurance brightness buoyancy calmness cheer cheerfulness easiness encouragement exhilaration hopefulness positivism sanguineness sureness

WEAK

good cheer looking on bright side rose-colored glasses

Antonyms

STRONGEST

depression distrust doubt fear sadness sorrow uncertainty unhappiness

STRONG

discouragement gloom

WEAK

hopelessness pessimism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A sharp drop in oil prices propelled stocks to fresh records, buoyed by investor optimism over a possible peace deal between the U.S. and Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Parsons, now A24's youngest ever director, has one solemn tip for survival in the Backrooms: "Make peace with it before anything else, because I don't like to give false optimism."

From BBC • May 29, 2026

But investor optimism has been slowly seeping back into ServiceNow and select software stocks in general.

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

There is reason for some optimism on the AI front, according to a recent report from Morgan Stanley.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

This is the trouble with optimism, you see: In excess, it makes even ridiculous ideas seem worth a try.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Vocabulary lists containing optimism

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