hope 1 of 2

noun

Definition of hopenext
1
as in hopefulness

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in confidence

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3
as in plan

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hope

2 of 2

verb

as in to wish

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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
While some see a glimmer of hope in this moment, others are skeptical. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025 Kobe was a figure of transformation and hope. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
Bolivia’s new centrist president rekindled hope that the country’s lithium reserves may finally be exploited. —Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025 Others hope to push it in the same direction as Oklahoma. —Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope
  1. hopefulness
  2. confidence
  3. plan
  4. wish
  5. trust
  6. idea
  7. dream
  8. faith
Noun
  • But the museum also tries to balance these hard truths with a sense of hopefulness.
    — Cory Turner, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025
  • There’s a hopefulness to it, like coming back.
    — Sasha Pinto, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2025
Definition of hopefulness
Noun
  • Brazil’s leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed confidence on Monday that his country and the United States will reach a trade deal.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Playing without starting quarterback Nicco Marchiol and its top two running backs, the Mountaineers were limited offensively, and TCU’s defense did a tremendous job of not giving the West Virginia offense confidence.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of confidence
Noun
  • The Department of Agriculture's funding lapse plan was later removed from the agency's website.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The five cities are believed to be the first of more to come across ICE's 24 field offices nationwide, according to officials familiar with the plans.
    — Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of plan
Verb
  • The State Department also joined in this call, saying that cash donations in such instances work best and that those wishing to donate should do their homework, both on who is splicing the donations and what is needed.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Students of cinema — or of fin-de-millénaire Americana, for that matter — will eat it up and wish heartily for seconds.
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025
Definition of wish
Noun
  • As Ashley and Tea become friends, the detective also earns the trust of Ashley's boyfriend and crime boss, Miran (Afshin Firouzi).
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The Viewer Products team will focus on the viewer experience, encompassing the YouTube main app, living room, search and discovery, YouTube Kids, learning, infrastructure, and trust and safety.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
Definition of trust
Noun
  • The shareholder meetings give the youngest Browns in the sixth and seventh generations, and their distant cousins, a chance to meet and bounce ideas off one another.
    — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • My idea was to do a little ‘maison,’ and to offer a look at what’s behind the brand.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of idea
Verb
  • His motorsports journey took a slightly different path compared to other F1 prospects, dreaming of being a NASCAR driver before discovering his strength lay in road courses.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In Pisces, the taskmaster teaches us how to dream without delusion, and how to love without losing ourselves in the process.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of dream
Noun
  • Rensch says in his book that the Kamps were able to weaponize the faith the Collective preached in an attempt to alter people’s life courses for the gain of the individual and the group.
    — Ben Morse, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The woman who said Butler had manipulated her faith to abuse her as a teen blamed the Assemblies of God’s lack of safeguards for enabling him.
    — Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025
Definition of faith

Browse Nearby Words

hop
hope
hope chest
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Cite this Entry

“Hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hope. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hope

Nglish: Translation of hope for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hope

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