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.
Most business professionals dismiss visualization as wishful thinking. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 What was originally scheduled last year as a Victory Party has become a sad little exercise in wishful thinking. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 But there are signs that Bay Area positivity is not just wishful thinking. Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 23 Dec. 2024 Perhaps that’s just wishful thinking from someone who was excited with Reed’s growth as a Superstar and looking forward to a championship run at some point in 2025. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near wishful thinking

Cite this Entry

“Wishful thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wishful%20thinking. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

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