1
: an unaccented beat or portion of a beat in a musical measure
specifically
: the last beat of the measure
2
: an increase in activity or prosperity
business that is on the upbeat
: cheerful, optimistic
I'm feeling upbeat today
Synonyms
Examples of upbeat in a Sentence
Adjective
I like a story with an upbeat ending.
I tried to stay upbeat about losing the election.
Recent Examples on the Web
Patrick Frater, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
So far this year, the investment bank has not started the season off upbeat, as shares have fallen in every postearnings trading session.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2024
Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024
Surround yourself with upbeat people who offer positive suggestions.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for upbeat 
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Noun
Despite the upbeat, fighting talk, the talk session rounded off with a succession of audience questions which variously asked how Hong Kong martial arts could be saved, promoted or taught.
Hung, returning to his habitual ebullient mode, had no doubt.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
So far this year, the investment bank has not started the season off upbeat, as shares have fallen in every postearnings trading session.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Initially, things seem to be upbeat and flying well.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024
Surround yourself with upbeat people who offer positive suggestions.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for upbeat
Dictionary Entries Near upbeat
Cite this Entry
“Upbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upbeat. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
upbeat
1 of 2 noun
up·beat
ˈəp-ˌbēt 
: an unaccented beat in a musical measure
especially
: the last beat of the measure
upbeat
2 of 2 adjective
: optimistic, cheerful
an upbeat story
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