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
Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Earlier this week, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, whose department is investigating Nancy's disappearance, gave a seemingly hopeful update on the case.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Alaska sends the four highest finishers in its nonpartisan primary onto the general election – all but ensuring that the general includes candidates from both parties and even independents or third-party hopefuls.
—Tom Charron, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
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Adjective
The report lamented this deviation from its historical use as a hopeful, sacred affirmation with biblical roots.
—Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Earlier this week, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, whose department is investigating Nancy's disappearance, gave a seemingly hopeful update on the case.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
That's offered a rare chance for the party to draw a new crop of candidates — all told, nearly 60 hopefuls are vying for the six seats — and for the winners to help shape the next Democratic caucus.
—ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Alaska sends the four highest finishers in its nonpartisan primary onto the general election – all but ensuring that the general includes candidates from both parties and even independents or third-party hopefuls.
—Tom Charron, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hopeful. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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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