wishful thinking

noun

: the attribution of reality to what one wishes to be true or the tenuous justification of what one wants to believe

Examples of wishful thinking in a Sentence

The idea that the enemy will immediately surrender is nothing more than wishful thinking.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

However, the art of manifestation is not just about wishful thinking or writing things down on a comprehensive list. —

Meghan Rose, Glamour, 8 Jan. 2025 However, many consider that timeline wishful thinking. —

Al Weaver, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025 Zoom in: Axios Crypto suspects this idea is based on more than wishful thinking — Texas is home to most of the bitcoin mining in the U.S. —

Brady Dale, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025 The sun will eventually face off with Neptune, too, bringing even more confusion as you could feel pulled in two different directions, which leaves you wondering what's real and what's wishful thinking. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wishful thinking

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of wishful thinking was in 1932

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Wishful thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wishful%20thinking. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

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