hopeful 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhōp-fəl How to pronounce hopeful (audio)
Definition of hopefulnext
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

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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

hopeful

2 of 2

noun

as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award the three mayoral hopefuls are going to debate on local TV

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 hopeful
Adjective
Lygo is hopeful that the broadcaster will remain intact beyond the term of its license. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Ramirez seems hopeful that the first base experiment works out. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
Other hopefuls need these points to make the Tour Championship cut next weekend. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Barajas, the spokesman for Hilton’s campaign, said the Republican hopeful has agreed to each and every invitation. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeful
  1. promising
  2. encouraging
  3. candidate
  4. optimistic
  5. favorable
  6. contender
  7. bright
  8. happy
Adjective
  • Transplants of muscle stem cells are a promising avenue for research, having distinct advantages over other tissues in their ability to encourage the growth of new blood vessels and limitations on rapid growth.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The goalkeeping department has probably been downgraded, considering the highly promising Trafford left, and was replaced by Geronimo Rulli, a solid backup option at 34 years of age.
    — Sam Lee, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • The Seahawks are high on Stephens, a fifth-round rookie out of Iowa who had an encouraging preseason.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Investors welcomed some encouraging signals about demand for artificial intelligence from two big tech companies, Dell and Palo Alto Networks.
    — Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Noun
  • Two healthy scratches may come from this group — Alexander and Jamison-Travis would be candidates as the roster stands now.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Linney’s Guardian tries to draw out some resentment from her new candidate, but John expresses (or feigns) sympathy for Hal, who was betrayed by his father figure Sinestro, an experience John likens to his own complicated upbringing.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of candidate
Adjective
  • Demographic experts are cautiously optimistic about the new scheme, which appears to offer more sustained and holistic support for families.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The 192-mile electric figure is reported as CLTC, which is China's relatively optimistic test cycle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of optimistic
Adjective
  • In addition, environmental conditions are quite favorable for intensification while Edouard remains over water.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Officials, however, said favorable weather in the coming days could help in the battle to control the blazes.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of favorable
Noun
  • Most of the major categories come down to two or three contenders.
    — Britina Cheng, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Norwich and Wrexham both are expected to be contenders this season to earn promotion to the Premier League, the world’s most valuable club soccer competition.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of contender
Adjective
  • Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light, keep the soil evenly moist, and open the bag once each day to let in fresh air.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Mystery Men Throw it back to the Y2K era with this 1999 comedy starring a plethora of the era’s brightest comedic talents, including Ben Stiller, Kel Mitchell, Janeane Garofolo, and Paul Reubens.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • George Clooney has arrived at the Venice Film Festival in high spirits, happy to be back in one of his favorite places in the world.
    — Stefania Saltalamacchia, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The publisher was apparently not too happy either, according to Wilson, though selling over a million copies of an ancient epic probably won her some wiggle room.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of happy

Browse Nearby Words

hope (for)
hopeful
hopefully
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Cite this Entry

“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeful. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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