HOPE Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

hope 1 of 2

verb

Definition of hope

as in to wish

Related Words

Relevance

hope

2 of 2

noun

as in hopefulness

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

as in confidence

Related Words

as in plan

Related Words

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

Some Republican lawmakers hope the ballot question will encourage more people to vote. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 But at this rate, with a slow division race, all three who played Sunday will hope Washington doesn't shock the football world on Monday night. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Noun

This logic has endured since 1935, when the League of Nations sanctioned Italy for invading Ethiopia, in the hope that doing so would induce Italy to call off its invasion or at least temper its ambitions. — S. C. M. Paine, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026 Some sympathized about the dementia struggle, many others expressed hope of a future business. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hope

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope

Verb

Anyone with information or who wishes to report an incident involving Thornsberry is asked to call the sheriff's office at 248-537-3530.

— CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
Now, with America having vociferously rejected Musk’s vision of governance, those wishing to drive something that reminds everyone around them of that vision will only have a few months more to purchase one.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of wish

Noun

The research represents an early step towards making model identity and response integrity independently verifiable, potentially giving users greater confidence in the systems powering their applications.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Have the confidence to walk away For founders, persistence is often celebrated, but knowing when to stop investing in a business can be just as important as having the conviction to start one.

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

Reyes is giving each side a chance to be heard on her plan to name Liu as special master in the case.

— GARY FIELDS, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Authorities in quake-prone Japan regularly instruct people to stock up on bottled water, food and batteries, have plans ready to hide under tables and keep comfortable walking shoes at hand.

— Yuri Kageyama, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of plan

Noun

This could address a growing trust problem as companies increasingly rely on third-party model providers and routing services to access advanced AI systems.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
Paris Jackson has demanded that $600 million be released from the estate of her late father, Michael Jackson, to a family trust for her and her two brothers, Prince and Bigi.

— Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of trust

Noun

Members of the Democratic and Republican parties say the country and political system are better off when candidates and their ideas are tested.

— Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
The modular laptop display system is not an entirely new idea, and there are some existing products on the market that offer detachable portable screens.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of idea

Verb

Even the smallest one is delightfully cozy, with a double bed and windows looking onto the street, perfect for a couple or solo traveler.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
The third floor will look different from when Pat Hynes was last working there as a field inspector in 2020.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of look

Browse Nearby Words

hop

hope

hope chest

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Style

“Hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hope. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of hope

verb

noun

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Synonyms of hope

verb

noun

Synonym Chooser

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