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
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
The Final Four is in sigh For many hopeful young athletes, the chance to play for a national championship no longer feels like a far-off dream.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Democratic leaders hope their voters eventually rally behind one or two candidates, and Swalwell is among the leading Democratic hopefuls.
—Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Adjective
The Miami Marlins’ lanky, 6-8, hopeful ace of the future fired his first four-seam fastball to Jake McCarthy at 98 mph.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
The Final Four is in sigh For many hopeful young athletes, the chance to play for a national championship no longer feels like a far-off dream.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
Presidential hopefuls often, though not always, release books before launching a campaign, giving them a moment in the spotlight before new audiences and a chance to crystallize their message embarking on a campaign.
—Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Democratic leaders hope their voters eventually rally behind one or two candidates, and Swalwell is among the leading Democratic hopefuls.
—Perry Stein and Jeremy Roebuck The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeful
Adjective
-
The nightmarish sequence spoiled a night that began with the Angels showing more promising signs at the plate.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Researchers have also observed promising improvements in metabolic markers and better preservation of lean muscle mass, says Burns.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Davies' assist for Karl's winner marked an encouraging return from a hamstring injury for the Canada left back ahead of the World Cup.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Despite the severity of his injuries, McManus notes, Peanut's prognosis is encouraging.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Four candidates vying for the 11th Congressional seat made their best pitch.—
Andrea Nakano,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Dem gubernatorial candidate racked up eye-popping travel bill as AG while out of state.—
,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Guillén was optimistic the honor would happen one day.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Lentsch is also optimistic that Protect Wyoming’s work can help influence public-land policy in neighboring states, and mobilize outdoorsmen beyond just the West.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Downtown trees offer favorable habitat.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for celebrating the holiday.—
Jason Pierce,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The first debate between presidential candidates occurred on May 17, 1948, when Republican contenders Thomas Dewey and Harold Stassen matched wits.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Voters, including myself, had to select seven artists from the record-tying 17 on the shortlist, the majority of them being contenders for the first time.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Having undergone an extensive 2024 renovation, each of the 259 rooms (including 42 suites) are bright and airy, with textures and colors inspired by the Canadian landscape.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Beyer, who has a warm smile and bright-pink glasses, did not hide her satisfaction.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Note that the service isn't particularly happy, helpful, or welcoming, but who has time for pleasantries when you're slammed all day?—
CNT Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
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However, the polite thing to do to maintain some sort of family connection would be to send a gift to the happy couple, along with a card conveying your good wishes.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Dallas Morning News,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeful. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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