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hope

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hope contrast with its synonyms?

The words expect and look are common synonyms of hope. While all three words mean "to await some occurrence or outcome," hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen.

hopes to find a job soon

When is expect a more appropriate choice than hope?

In some situations, the words expect and hope are roughly equivalent. However, expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning.

expects to be finished by Tuesday

When would look be a good substitute for hope?

While the synonyms look and hope are close in meaning, look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness.

looks to a tidy profit from the sale
look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of hope
Noun
The news of her death shattered that hope. Aishwarya S. Iyer, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025 Let’s hope Gen Z is ready for the political and governance challenges ahead of them as well. Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
Researchers hope the EpiSwitch® CFS test could soon become a vital diagnostic tool in clinical settings, offering more personalized and effective care for patients. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025 The Knicks are entering this season with high championship aspirations, while the Bucks hope to avoid the play-in tournament and being part of the lowly Eastern Conference. Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope
Noun
  • But the museum also tries to balance these hard truths with a sense of hopefulness.
    Cory Turner, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
  • There’s a hopefulness to it, like coming back.
    Sasha Pinto, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Chiefs are back, just as quickly as they were dismissed, and that’s in more than ways than post-game one-liners exuding some confidence after a convincing 30-17 win against the red-hot Lions.
    Sam McDowell October 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Showing confidence the whole night that the outcome wouldn’t really be in doubt, BSU went for it seven times on fourth down, converting six of those.
    Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Alphabet-subsidiary is now operating commercially in five American cities, with plans to launch in several more.
    Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • That plan was to eventually lead to a marquee match between two former Shield brothers.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • O'Connor wished Manganiello a happy birthday in December.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In the comment section, many people wished Mia a happy birthday.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Al-Sudani, who rose to power after that upheaval, insisted his government had taken tangible steps to restore public trust, such as economic progress and political stability.
    Emma Graham, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Lensed in New York by renowned portrait photographer Platon, the campaign unfolds in bold black-and-white images and a series of short films hinging on the five themes of friendship, respect, connection, trust and warmth, completed by behind-the-scenes moments.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Based on an idea by Bernabei, the series is written by Elena Bucaccio, Matthew Parkhill and Francesco Arlanch.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Construction robots are no longer a far-off idea.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Donnie Wahlberg reprises the role of Danny Reagan in Blue Bloods offshoot Boston Blue and the star is dreaming of a crossover movie.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The military campaign appeased his far-right coalition partners, who called to expand Israel’s assault on Gaza and dreamed of fully re-occupying the territory.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Miller is an expert interviewer and has given cinephiles a real gift as a candid Scorsese talks about his battles with drugs and his connection to faith.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The narrator’s faith in this flimsy visual evidence is childlike.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hope. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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