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
Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Dec. 2025
The president of a private university in Michigan whose values are based on America's founding principles is hopeful for the future of academia, despite higher education's reputation for administrative bloat and fealty to left-wing values.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 29 Dec. 2025
That’s less than 4% of hopefuls who were chosen for the show.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
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show current usage.
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Adjective
Jones is hopeful that a resurgent Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, with students invited to sit at the decision table, will result in fewer calls to police and happier residents.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Dec. 2025
The president of a private university in Michigan whose values are based on America's founding principles is hopeful for the future of academia, despite higher education's reputation for administrative bloat and fealty to left-wing values.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 28 Dec. 2025
Noun
Nickel highlights Ariens Nordic Center, which since its 2023 opening has drawn Olympic and World Cup hopefuls from as far away as New York, Utah and Alaska year-round to train for biathlons.
—Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 29 Dec. 2025
That’s less than 4% of hopefuls who were chosen for the show.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Dec. 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 1 Jan. 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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