Synonyms

optimistic

American

[op-tuh-mis-tik] / ˌɒp təˈmɪs tɪk /

Sometimes optimistical

adjective

disposed to take a favorable view of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.
reflecting a favorable view of events and conditions and the expectation of a positive outcome; demonstrating optimism.

an optimistic plan.
of or relating to optimism.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of optimistic

First recorded in 1840–50; optimist + -ic

Explanation

An optimistic person thinks the best possible thing will happen, and hopes for it even if it's not likely. Someone who's a tad too confident this way is also sometimes called optimistic. If you see the glass as half-full when others see it as half-empty; if you look on the bright side of things, you're optimistic. If the chain falls off your rusty old bicycle, a tire goes flat, the frame cracks down the middle, the seat keeps twisting around, and you say, "But look! The little bell still works — I'm sure this bike will be fine," you're being very optimistic, though some might venture to call you "delusional."

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Vocabulary lists containing optimistic

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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.

See Examples For:

optimistic

But Rusbridger said that repairing public standing takes time, and that he isn’t optimistic.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

Despite the chaos, some die-hard loyalists remain optimistic.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

“The reception was overly optimistic and creates expectations that we believe will be difficult to meet,” Graybosch wrote.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026

"I'm optimistic that we're all snowflakes in that snowball that's getting bigger and bigger."

From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026

The most optimistic abolitionists thought that if the slave trade ended in twenty years, slavery would eventually end.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023