1
: having qualities which inspire hope
hopeful signs of economic recovery
2
: full of hope : inclined to hope
hopefulness
noun
Examples of hopeful in a Sentence
Adjective
The mood is sad rather than hopeful.
He was hopeful that things would get better soon.
I still feel hopeful about the future.
She is hopeful of winning the race.
a hopeful tone of voice
There are hopeful signs that the crisis may end soon.
The movie has a hopeful ending.
Investigators report that there have been some hopeful developments in the case.
Noun
the three mayoral hopefuls are going to debate on local TV
Recent Examples on the Web
Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 June 2025
Miguel Uribe Turbay, a Colombian senator and presidential hopeful, is in critical condition after being shot in the head at a campaign event in Bogotá on Saturday.
—Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
Julia Mueller, The Hill, 4 June 2025
And as the Broncos enter the summer months facing a slew of financial decisions around a top-tier defensive line, one of their most impactful pass-rushers — and contract-extension hopefuls — wasn’t at OTAs on Thursday.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
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Adjective
Fans are hopeful that Roan will release a new album soon.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 June 2025
Miguel Uribe Turbay, a Colombian senator and presidential hopeful, is in critical condition after being shot in the head at a campaign event in Bogotá on Saturday.
—Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
Noun
A number of Democrats seen as potential White House hopefuls, including Govs.
—Julia Mueller, The Hill, 4 June 2025
And as the Broncos enter the summer months facing a slew of financial decisions around a top-tier defensive line, one of their most impactful pass-rushers — and contract-extension hopefuls — wasn’t at OTAs on Thursday.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hopeful. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hopeful
1 of 2 adjective
hope·ful
ˈhōp-fəl 
1
: having qualities which inspire hope
2
: full of or inclined to hope
hopefulness
noun
hopeful
2 of 2 noun
: a person who has hopes or is considered promising
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