Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for optimism

optimism

[ op-tuh-miz-uhm ]

noun

  1. a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.

    Synonyms: cheerfulness, hopefulness, confidence

    Antonyms: cynicism, pessimism

  2. the belief that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world.

    Antonyms: cynicism, pessimism

  3. the belief that goodness pervades reality.
  4. the doctrine that the existing world is the best of all possible worlds.


optimism

/ ˈɒptɪˌmɪzəm /

noun

  1. the tendency to expect the best and see the best in all things
  2. hopefulness; confidence
  3. the doctrine of the ultimate triumph of good over evil
  4. the philosophical doctrine that this is the best of all possible worlds


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˌoptiˈmistically, adverb
  • ˈoptimist, noun
  • ˌoptiˈmistic, adjective

Discover More

Other Words From

  • anti·opti·mism noun
  • over·opti·mism noun

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of optimism1

First recorded in 1730–40; from French optimisme, from Latin optim(um) ( optimum ) + French -isme -ism

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of optimism1

C18: from French optimisme, from Latin optimus best, superlative of bonus good

Discover More

Example Sentences

In a conference call with investors on Tuesday, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff gushed with optimism.

From Fortune

Meanwhile, Edward Jones’ Logan Purk believes the stock is “priced appropriately,” but there’s “a lot of optimism priced in,” he tells Fortune.

From Fortune

In the months following the Business Roundtable announcement, our optimism proved to be warranted.

From Fortune

Trading for Mike Conley was a huge source of optimism in Salt Lake City before the season began, but the 32-year-old missed 23 games, and his player efficiency rating dropped to its lowest point in a dozen seasons.

In place of that optimism is a renewed sense of uncertainty.

From Digiday

Within a few swipes, I was already feeling that burst of romantic optimism you need the first day of the (Christian) new year.

Whatever the future holds for Africa, optimism certainly abounds.

The optimism across the hemisphere was obvious, but many challenges remain.

And one has to fight against that and create some haven for optimism.

Miraculously, Malala survived, and her courage, wisdom, and optimism have continued to transfix and inspire the world.

And a rampant ache in my head, seconded by a medium-sized gash in the scalp, didn't make for an access of optimism at that moment.

They foreclose without mercy, but that does not frighten their old patrons, who have the perennial optimism of the country.

Whilst I am by nature optimistic, I must confess that in these latter days my optimism occasionally receives a shock.

The situation would have been hopeless to anybody not possessed of Scattergood's optimism and resource.

Fat Boy, our clarinetist who doubles on Martian horn-harp, made a feeble attempt at optimism.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


optimeoptimist