Synonyms of hope

hope 1 of 2

verb

as in to wish

Related Words

• wish
• dream
• look
• mean
• purpose
• intend
• plan
• propose
• aim
• aspire
• try
• contemplate
• consider
• design
• purport
• attempt
• ponder
• calculate
• allow
• strive
• struggle
• debate
• endeavor
• meditate
• go
• achieve
• scheme
• accomplish
• mull (over)
• plot
• effect
• perform
• execute

hope

2 of 2

noun

1

as in hopefulness

Related Words

• hopefulness
• cheerfulness
• brightness
• idealism
• optimism
• rosiness
• sunniness
• perkiness
• meliorism
• sanguinity
• bullishness

Dissimilar Words

• concern
• pessimism
• skepticism
• caution
• apprehension
• despair
• cynicism
• desperation
• hopelessness
• discouragement
• bearishness
• gloom
• realism
• pragmatism
• bleakness
• disheartenment
• gloominess
• dreariness
• cheerlessness

2

as in confidence

Related Words

• confidence
• trust
• faith
• assurance
• certainty
• conviction
• acceptance
• credence
• stock
• surety
• positiveness
• assuredness
• certitude
• sureness
• reliance
• credit
• dependence

3

as in plan

Related Words

• plan
• idea
• wish
• purpose
• aim
• goal
• meaning
• dream
• intention
• objective
• desire
• intent
• mind
• object
• ambition
• design
• aspiration
• end
• thing
• target
• ideal
• point
• project
• mark
• bourne
• pretension
• scheme
• plot
• destination
• holy grail
• grail
• destination
• terminus
• terminus

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

Recent Examples of hope

Verb

On the flip side, Mallorca face four of their relegation rivals before the season is out, while Rayo will hope to get points on the board before their two-legged Conference League semi-final against French side Strasbourg. —Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026

Denver was going to defend it out and hope to extend the game to overtime. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026

Noun

And a year into his historic papacy, many American Catholics told USA TODAY the pope's willingness to challenge power brings them hope. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 May 2026

Flyers are a real long shot this time; no real hope for Broadstreet Bullies II. —Greg Cote may 4, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026