hope 1 of 2

hope

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noun

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
Verb
Chief Executive Elon Musk ‘s SpaceX hoped to release a series of mock satellites after liftoff, but that got nixed because the door failed to open all the way. Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025 Steele, 29, hopes to be around the team as much as possible in the coming months, aiming to return to Wrigley Field every other homestand. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Noun
Many are still holding out hope that their home is the exception and will fetch top dollar. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 The statement likely dashed the hopes of some traders and some in the administration that Powell would preemptively cut rates to ease any setback to economic growth from tariff policy. Alex Harring,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope
Verb
  • Ahead of the special election for Newport-Mesa Unified School District trustee, the Orange County Register compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent the Area 5 seat.
    Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 25 May 2025
  • As for criticism, some customers noted that the cushions show dirt quickly due to their light color, while others wished for more thoughtful additions like cushion ties.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Investors may perceive such appointments as a sign of internal uncertainty, potentially impacting stock performance and stakeholder confidence.
    Solange Charas, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Want to boost your confidence, income and career success?
    Megan Sauer, CNBC, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • But Andrea Jenkins, who represents the area and supports the city's plan, said residents around the square want vehicle traffic.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • His evil plan is to conquer the microchip market by creating earthquakes and floods that will destroy most of the San Francisco Bay area.
    EW.com, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The entities seemed to sense his wish to keep dreaming.
    Andy Greenberg, Wired News, 22 May 2025
  • Cyrus dreams of being able to tour regularly, but doing it would be demanding.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • But brands risk losing consumer trust if customers worry that their privacy and data will not be respected, Camoosa says.
    Acxiom Contributor, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • After taking a percentage, the trust is to give all the proceeds to the couple's favorite museum foundation.
    Marni Jameson, Arkansas Online, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • House and Senate lawmakers keep circulating big ideas that would go well beyond a narrow fix — and cost taxpayers many billions in doing so.
    David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Recently, a special idea came to the family — one that felt like a meaningful way to keep Andreini close.
    Jordan Greene, People.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Hill is on a Hall of Fame trajectory, and looked first ballot-worthy until last season, when his antics, side babies, lawsuits and now a divorce finally overshadowed underwhelming play.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
  • Meanwhile, Lilo & Stitch is looking at a second frame of $60M, off 59%, which is in the vicinity of previous Disney Memorial Day live-action takes of classic toons Aladdin (-53%) and Little Mermaid (57%).
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Four months into his administration, their faith is being tested.
    Daniel Byman, The Atlantic, 24 May 2025
  • Leo’s American identity-at a time when two American leaders embody opposing visions of democracy-places him at the intersection of a deepening global struggle over democracy, nationalism, and faith.
    Emmett Coyne, The Hill, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hope. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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