1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
economists are offering a hopeful forecast for a healthy economy in the coming year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encouraging
pointing toward a happy outcome
in a hopeful response to the ad, several people called to say they'd seen our lost cat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
the three mayoral hopefuls are going to debate on local TV
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hopeful
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
The Final Four is in sigh For many hopeful young athletes, the chance to play for a national championship no longer feels like a far-off dream.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 23 Mar. 2026
This year, the field of hopefuls was bigger than ever.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Adjective
The Miami Marlins’ lanky, 6-8, hopeful ace of the future fired his first four-seam fastball to Jake McCarthy at 98 mph.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
The Final Four is in sigh For many hopeful young athletes, the chance to play for a national championship no longer feels like a far-off dream.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
Candidates from all walks of life run for Congress each election cycle, from backgrounds in politics and government to adjacent fields such as law or public policy, but some hopefuls are leveraging their public profile as media personalities to help drive their campaigns.
—David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 23 Mar. 2026
This year, the field of hopefuls was bigger than ever.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeful
Adjective
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The nightmarish sequence spoiled a night that began with the Angels showing more promising signs at the plate.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
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Researchers have also observed promising improvements in metabolic markers and better preservation of lean muscle mass, says Burns.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In a statement, Boulder police said encouraging victims and witnesses to come forward is critical to moving the investigation forward and preventing further harm.—
Jamie Leary,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Pacifica’s title aspirations in Crestview League softball received a few encouraging signs Thursday in another duel with Cypress.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Four candidates vying for the 11th Congressional seat made their best pitch.—
Andrea Nakano,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Dem gubernatorial candidate racked up eye-popping travel bill as AG while out of state.—
,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The most optimistic forecast put them middle-of-the-pack at 15th while most others placed them somewhere in the 20s.—
Michael McGough,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
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Lazar says even the most optimistic outlook for the rest of the season shows little chance of recovery.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Under this view, multimillionaires and billionaires could easily afford to relocate to more favorable tax jurisdictions, depriving governments of revenue.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
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If winds increase in the afternoon, conditions could approach Red Flag criteria, meaning weather conditions are favorable for fires to start easily and spread fast.—
Robert A. Cronkleton
March 26,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Following the new Grand Sport’s surprise appearance at the recent 12 Hours of Sebring, the Corvette team has officially unveiled a pair of podium contenders for its famously loyal fans.—
Lawrence Ulrich,
Robb Report,
26 Mar. 2026
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Three of the top four contenders in the Daily Racing Form’s top 20 ranking of Kentucky Derby hopefuls are entered for Saturday’s 1 1/8-mile race at Gulfstream.—
Clark Spencer,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Having undergone an extensive 2024 renovation, each of the 259 rooms (including 42 suites) are bright and airy, with textures and colors inspired by the Canadian landscape.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
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Beyer, who has a warm smile and bright-pink glasses, did not hide her satisfaction.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Note that the service isn't particularly happy, helpful, or welcoming, but who has time for pleasantries when you're slammed all day?—
CNT Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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However, the polite thing to do to maintain some sort of family connection would be to send a gift to the happy couple, along with a card conveying your good wishes.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Dallas Morning News,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeful. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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