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

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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

Meanwhile, the Warriors hope to get a commitment from James on Tuesday but had not received that commitment as of early afternoon, per ESPN. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Burg said Preservation Sacramento was hoping to tell the full story associated with the house. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2026

Noun

As a native North Carolinian, Grant Williams wanted to help and do something to inject a little hope. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026 So what happens when parents trade their kids' privacy for the hope of financial security? — Brittany Luse, NPR, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hope

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope

Verb

Employees who wish to enter into one should understand their company’s policy and speak with HR about any disclosure requirements.

— Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 13 July 2026
For guests wishing to avoid the hubbub from Central Avenue and the pool, ask for a room at the north end of the hotel.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026

Definition of wish

Noun

The other half is King’s reaction, memorized by fans who grew up in the hopefulness of the Rose years.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
For all of his inherent hopefulness as a storyteller, however, Spielberg also readily casts a wary eye at the powers that be.

— David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

Definition of hopefulness

Noun

She's found that parents who are more open about these topics give their children more confidence and self-efficacy.

— Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Just how charged the debate has become was clear when the Greens filed a motion of no confidence against the government on Thursday over its heatwave response.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of confidence

Noun

Corlys, one of few characters on the show who has survived long enough to ask for a favor in return for his service, shares his plan with Rhaenyra, asking her earnestly for public support from the crown.

— Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
The government claimed the feature could increase cybercrime incidents and has directed the platform to pause its plans.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Definition of plan

Verb

That changes what is worth dreaming about, which is perhaps why some of the ideas attracting capital right now seem far-fetched.

— Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
Riffing on late ’50s Broadway productions, the show sees Hoover on his deathbed while dreaming about his life as a musical.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 7 July 2026

Definition of dream

Noun

But beyond speed and simplicity, the Breakaway/Build model also requires trust.

— Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
Venus in your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources trines tender Chiron in your 4th House of Home and Family, supporting repair around trust, money, privacy, or household duties.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026

Definition of trust

Verb

Decor That Doesn’t Fit the Aesthetic Button shares that part of her design process is figuring out whether a piece would look good in a location or aesthetic that inspired her design.

— Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 July 2026
Changing out lighting, mirrors, and adding stylish decor can boost a bathroom’s look without major renos.

— Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hope

verb

noun

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Synonyms of hope

verb

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

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Articles Related to hope

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