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hope

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verb

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
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
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 See All Example Sentences for hope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope
Noun
  • Athit Perawongmetha | Reuters China is devising more ways for foreign institutions to use the yuan, as international confidence in the U.S. dollar falters.
    Lee Ying Shan,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 25 June 2025
  • Khan said the data actually instills confidence in the health of the overall housing market.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
  • This option could cost the city $1.1 million without a parking lot or commercial lots — or $5.3 million with, but plans note the city would recoup some of that money by selling the commercial land.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • In some brands and industries, giving franchisees a higher than usual degree of autonomy and flexibility may work well, whilst in others the franchisor may wish to retain a significant level of control over many aspects of the business.
    Fiona Simpson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Admission will be free, but individuals wishing to park at the fairgrounds will have a $10 parking fee.
    Alyssa Cooper, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • If trust was lost by the elimination of foreign aid, imagine the hit to our reputation as the world sees our government turn its back on its own citizens’ health.
    Jennifer Boulanger, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
  • Members of the Land Board, which directs the Department of Lands’ management of over 2.5 million acres of Idaho’s endowment trust lands, sought to refill the account and set up ongoing contributions to the fund.
    Sarah Cutler June 28, Idaho Statesman, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • This idea reflects Glass’s approach to whisky making.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • If your idea of a good country getaway requires a stop by an antique mall, then add the Blue Moon Antique Mall and Bookstore to your list.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • During the madness around planning the Tribeca premiere at Carnegie Hall (which the violin-playing Jayne Mansfield had dreamed of playing), Sardelli checked in by email.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • Isla Nublar is now home to Jurassic World, which is everything the late John Hammond dreamed of.
    Will Harris, EW.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The energy around you may feel optimistic, so now is the time to restore faith in the process of your personal journey.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Those include trustworthiness, kindness and generosity, respect and care for human life, respect for parental authority, respect for patriotism, respect for religious faith, gratitude, and courage.
    Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • That facility, whose purpose remains unclear, appears to be intact.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 26 June 2025
  • The purpose of the grants is to address the climate crisis and various environmental harms at the local level.
    Tracy J. Wholf June 26, CBS News, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hope. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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