Thesaurus

hope

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

verb

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Synonyms of hope

(Entry 1 of 2)

as in wish, dream

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for hope

dream,
wish

aim,
allow
[chiefly Southern & Midland],
aspire,
calculate,
contemplate,
design,
go
[chiefly Southern & Midland],
intend,
look,
mean,
meditate,
plan,
propose,
purport,
purpose

plot,
scheme

hope

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of hope (Entry 2 of 2)

1 as in optimism, hopefulness

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for hope

idealism,
meliorism

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for hope

skepticism

cynicism

pragmatism,
realism

2 as in confidence, faith

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for hope

3 as in wish, aim

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for hope

grail,
holy grail

Frequently Asked Questions About hope

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