1
as in promising
having qualities which inspire hope
economists are offering a hopeful forecast for a healthy economy in the coming year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in encouraging
pointing toward a happy outcome
in a hopeful response to the ad, several people called to say they'd seen our lost cat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
the three mayoral hopefuls are going to debate on local TV
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hopeful
Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
Advertisement To be sure, the cost-effectiveness of preventing dangerous infectious diseases in children is one reason to be hopeful that insurers will continue to cover these vaccines beyond the end of the year.
—Sophia Newcomer, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 18 Feb. 2026
Both Arizona hopefuls won a golden ticket.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Adjective
Yet the money manager remains hopeful that fiscal stimulus — more government spending coupled with consumer and business tax breaks — from last year's One Big Beautiful Bill will start to take effect in a few months, papering over any nascent economic weakness.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
Advertisement To be sure, the cost-effectiveness of preventing dangerous infectious diseases in children is one reason to be hopeful that insurers will continue to cover these vaccines beyond the end of the year.
—Sophia Newcomer, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
The Senate hopeful said the initial post endangered his family.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 18 Feb. 2026
Both Arizona hopefuls won a golden ticket.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeful
Adjective
-
The bugbears of this season — wasting promising chances (though Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce deserves credit for many of those) and some vulnerability to counter-attacks — remained.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
One particularly promising trend is barbecue joints baking their own bread, like Goldee’s BBQ in Fort Worth and Smokemade Meats + Eats in Orlando.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Jason Adam’s encouraging recovery from a season-ending thigh injury, evidenced by his crisp throwing session Friday, bodes well for the veteran righty to combine with Mason Miller and Adrián Morejón to form a dominant relief trio.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The most encouraging development for USC actually came in the frontcourt, where there hasn’t been much notable progress to report this season.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
During a gubernatorial forum in Sacramento, candidates were asked whether Wasserman should step down.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
On Wednesday, lefty starter Kyle Freeland, right-handed starter Ryan Feltner, and closer candidate Victor Vodnik threw in the main stadium at Salt River.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Timeless wood pieces, plush armchairs and headboards, and earthy yet optimistic color palettes (think ivory, spring green, tawny brown, and bronze) are both serene and cozy, without feeling dusty or overly trendy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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But many believers and UAP disclosure proponents remain optimistic.—
Brett Tingley,
Space.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
With an attorney on the plaintiffs’ side of the lawsuit colluding with the city’s team, the city could settle the claims on favorable terms.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Warren and Garcia raised ethics questions about whether ballroom donors were promised favorable treatment by the administration in exchange for their contributions.—
Arden Farhi,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile, some Democratic contenders for president and lesser offices are making artificial intelligence regulation key parts of their platforms — because voters do actually care about the issue.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
-
In a follow-up phone interview, Hueffmeier framed himself as a serious contender for the seat.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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This delectable tropical scent achieves both, transporting me to a sunnier, brighter place with each light layer of its coconut and mango notes.—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
22 Feb. 2026
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Its nearly 100-year-old grandeur is complemented by bright, contemporary updates, such as a white kitchen and chic light fixtures.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The menu features an expansive list of whiskies to taste, as well as cocktails that the mixologists are happy to recommend based on your preferences.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Members of the 34th Infantry Division were in attendance at Halverson’s celebration Monday and took the chance to shake his hand and wish him a happy birthday.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeful. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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