1
: having qualities which inspire hope
hopeful signs of economic recovery
2
: full of hope : inclined to hope
hopefulness
noun
Synonyms
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
Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2024
In the years since that hopeful summit, bilateral trade has continued to increase, but it has been overshadowed by escalating tensions.
—Tomohiko Taniguchi, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hopeful 
Adjective
Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2024
In the years since that hopeful summit, bilateral trade has continued to increase, but it has been overshadowed by escalating tensions.
—Tomohiko Taniguchi, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hopeful
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hopeful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near hopeful
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hopeful. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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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