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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
But that hope was soon dashed when Honda successfully appealed the ruling. Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025 Europe’s Stoxx 600 Banks index just posted its best first half of the year since 1997, on the back of earnings outperformance in the first quarter and hopes of deal-making in the sector. Matt Ward-Perkins, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Verb
Ultimately, Williams hopes readers come away from Martyr Loser King with more than aesthetic awe. Okla Jones, Essence, 14 July 2025 Buc-ee’s is hoping to open its 24/7 store and fueling plaza in early 2027 and is expected to employ between 175 and 225 full-time workers. Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope
Noun
  • Every decision from what’s in scope to what can be eliminated should support the core objective: enabling employee compliance teams to act with minimum friction and maximum confidence, even with the constant uncertainty of regulatory change.
    Kelvin Dickenson, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • And with that comes a certain level of comfort and confidence and experimentation.
    Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • In a city where so many big plans have gone so badly for 30 years, San Diego residents shouldn’t just be wary when another bold proposal comes long — they should be terrified.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Velvet Peanut Butter brand, with its decades-long Detroit history, will be produced in Detroit in 2026 with plans for nationwide distribution.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • If either of Burnett’s sons wishes to serve, they should absolutely be encouraged to run.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Two people said those affected do not wish to be named in the final report.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • Slim majorities of California voters had little or no trust that Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature act in the best interest of the public.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025
  • Wayne Barrow, the trust manager, told Billboard that Evans has been giving the money out to the late Brooklyn rapper’s children Ty’anna, CJ, in addition to pocketing some of it for herself.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • What does the heat index chart look like? To get an idea of how air temperatures and humidity levels produce apparent temperatures, here is the NWS' heat index chart.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Notable Music speakers: Wyclef Jean, Wynonna Judd, 2016: President Barack Obama discusses civic engagement, while first lady Michelle Obama's talks about her Let Girls Learn initiative and using music to promote ideas.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • But the tobacco industry could only have dreamed of having the immense power of the federal government.
    David Michaels, The Atlantic, 20 July 2025
  • Derek is a bright and curious kid who dreams of becoming a scientist one day.
    The Star, Kansas City Star, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Reagan restored the country’s faith after the national traumas of the Vietnam era and won passage of a significant tax reform bill and a major immigration measure, though his efforts to tame mounting federal deficits proved largely unsuccessful.
    Carl Leubsdorf, Mercury News, 12 July 2025
  • Similarly, Delap’s suspension gave Maresca the opportunity to thrust new signing Joao Pedro in from the start, with the Brazilian international repaying the faith emphatically by scoring a pair of stunning goals to send Chelsea through to the final.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • In addition to being easier to use, steamers can serve a dual purpose; the steam acts as a natural deodorizer, eliminating not only wrinkles but also odor-causing bacteria.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2025
  • Legally, the Department of Defense can make military bases available to any federal, state or local law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes, according to the National Immigration Law Center.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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