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.

There is ample cause for optimism about America.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

In Beijing, meanwhile, there was a palpable optimism, says Selina Xu, a researcher who works on China AI policy in the office of former Google boss Eric Schmidt.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Yet for all the optimism over tanker activity in the strait, the numbers tell a more cautious story: Transit volumes remain well below preconflict levels, and oil markets have barely reacted.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Stocks were poised for gains on Monday amid the latest optimism for the end of conflict.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

He stayed locked in his work, for the most part undaunted, riding out the bumps and compromising where he could, clinging to the sober-minded, someone’s-gotta-take-this-on brand of optimism that had always guided him.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

optimism

Example Sentences

Related Words