hope 1 of 2

Definition of hopenext

hope

2 of 2

noun

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
The only real daylight between the parties on Iran is over whether the White House will take congressional consideration seriously, as Republicans hope, or try to ignore the Hill, as Democrats anticipate. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 16 June 2026 Today, community leaders hope to transform the Jarratt House into a place where visitors and locals can learn about history of Pocahontas Island. Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Noun
They were joined by a growing number of international rescue teams, who pulled multiple survivors from the wreckage, offering desperate families a rare glimmer of hope. Abigail Williams, NBC news, 29 June 2026 So, is there hope for better days in the season’s second half? John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope
Verb
  • Individuals wishing to stay and work in the United States face difficult choices.
    Stuart Anderson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Customers wished all the best for Smith, a dedicated father and chef.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
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
Noun
  • What gives us confidence in this assertion?
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • Soloviev brims with the confidence of a billionaire’s son who has managed to chart his own unusual course.
    Reeves Wiedeman, Curbed, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Democrats say the Republican plan would hurt low- and middle-income Georgians, who would end up paying more in taxes.
    David Wickert, AJC.com, 29 June 2026
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • With a round-of-32 game against Ivory Coast on Tuesday secured, Norway are dreaming of a run to the final on July 19.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Wimbledon has been a tournament that Djokovic has dreamt of his whole life.
    Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • November 22 – December 21 Shared money, trust, and private agreements need careful language.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026
  • Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Shared money, trust, and private agreements need careful language.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • So, Larry took a shine to this idea very quickly, in a way that Larry rarely takes a shine to anything.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 27 June 2026
  • The World's Fair, as it's also known, introduced millions of people to inventions, architecture and ideas that still influence our lives today.
    Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Instead of using artificial colors, look for ingredients that naturally fit the bill.
    Kate Williams, AJC.com, 29 June 2026
  • Someone in the Mamdani administration should look at what happened in the 1970s and ’80s when the city became the largest landlord in the five boroughs.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hope. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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