optimistic

[op-tuh-mis-tik] / ˌɒp təˈmɪs tɪk /

ADJECTIVE

believing positively

Synonyms

STRONG

assured bright buoyant cheerful cheering confident encouraged expectant happy high hopeful hoping idealistic keeping the faith merry on cloud nine on top of world positive promising ray of sunshine rose-colored rosy sanguine sunny trusting utopian

Antonyms

STRONG

dejected depressed doubtful gloomy hopeless pessimistic sorrowful

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.

Dinnis, who directed the initial digs and will lead the new excavation project, said he was optimistic about what they would uncover.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Treasury yields edged slightly lower in Asian trade, with market sentiment cautiously optimistic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

After a recent string of successful films such as “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” and “Project Hail Mary,” movie theaters are feeling more optimistic about the year ahead.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

And the optimistic tone continued into Asia, with Tokyo and Seoul leading gains thanks to renewed buying of tech firms as traders returned to the AI theme.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

As young and optimistic as the characters on my cassette tape, they'll occasionally invite me to join them for an after-school get-together at a nearby cafe.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Vocabulary lists containing optimistic

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Positive Words to Describe a Person

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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1

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