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.

If results fail to match the optimism built into recent winners, momentum could lose support, according to Brown.

From MarketWatch • May 30, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

Robo-taxi optimism is one reason shares trade for north of 200 times expected earnings over the coming 12 months.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Oil fell in early Asian trade on optimism over a potential U.S.-Iran deal that could ease supply-disruption concerns.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

During the years 1919-20 Antonio Gramsci, the Italian Marxist, adopted as his own the maxim ‘pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will’.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing optimism

Words for a New Year

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Power Suffix: -ism

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Starting Your New Life: Inspiring Words from Commencement Speeches

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