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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
The app is still experimental, and the team is hoping to add more features, like Portrait mode, an Android app, and video recording. Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 21 June 2025 Here’s hoping for more novels with Mrs. Blossom in the lead. John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Noun
Expressing hopes for a good film, Johar says the kind of target audience of the film (urban and metro regions in India, 35-plus people) will limit the opening of the film around $1 million. Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 After going off birth control in hopes of checking her fertility, her period didn't return. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope
Verb
  • Schools that wish to utilize the funds will need to provide a justification to their university board of trustees.
    Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025
  • The topic of banning phones at gigs has been a contentious one over the years, with artists wishing for fans to live in the moment, and fans desiring a chance to memorialize their concert experiences.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Analyst Alex Zukin pointed to growing confidence over the near-term growth opportunity around artificial intelligence.
    Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 12 June 2025
  • The success of 2024 provided Team O’Neill with enough confidence to pack their bags and head to Dubai for a start in the Godolphin Mile at Meydan Race Course on April 5, 2025.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • Currently, Rejuvenate is only available in the Black Label Navigator and select Nautilus models, but there are plans to expand the feature to future vehicles.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 17 June 2025
  • Israel pushed pause on plans to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader after U.S. officials—including Trump—called it too outrageous.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Trump, whose 79th birthday corresponded with the Army anniversary, had long dreamed of holding such a display of America's military might.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 15 June 2025
  • Her daughter dreamed about one day cooking elaborate meals for presidents and world leaders in her role as a Navy cook, Castle said.
    Rosa Flores, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Over the past few seasons, Campusano has failed to earn the trust of multiple pitching staffs and two managers.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • When things feel incomprehensible, great leaders translate complexity into purpose, shared understanding, and trust within teams.
    Daisy Auger-Domínguez, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Interacting with experienced individuals, solving non-artistic problems and engaging in varied tasks exposes you to new ideas, perspectives and life experiences that subtly inform and enrich your art.
    Kice Akkawi, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
  • Nearly half of these offenders exhibited evidence of fixation – an intense or obsessive preoccupation with an individual, activity, or idea.
    Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Around Atlantic and Brompton avenues, crowds of people gathered, taking videos and looking at the agents — armed individuals wearing balaclavas, some carrying long weapons, wearing vests and camoflauge pants.
    Jad El Reda, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2025
  • Keep looking below for more Lululemon clothes from the We Made Too Much section, including dresses, tennis skirts, and a $9 accessory to complete your summer hairstyle.
    Jeaneen Russell, People.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Retire Wealthy Retiring wealthy takes long-term planning plus a good dose of faith.
    Catherine Brock, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Dolton’s revival would center around the house where then-Robert Francis Prevost learned his faith from his parents and brothers.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hope. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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