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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
After ambushing Nobel hopeful Kersten onboard, Wohmann makes multiple attempts to interview him. — Alissa Simon, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026 Democrats are hopeful that the disparate party turnout could signal a grim outlook for Republicans’ ironclad control of state politics. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
All nine of the hopefuls were on hand Saturday for the event, with five minutes each to speak on stage. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 Other Republican gubernatorial hopefuls have slammed Fauci in a similar way. — Gray Rohrer, Miami Herald, 31 July 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
  • Why would a promising young researcher accept a faculty offer of $120,000 with uncertain employment prospects when a technology company or defense contractor offers $180,000 on the first day?
    — Francisco Ruiz, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • These businesses operate in promising markets, but their potential does not necessarily make Boeing their best long-term owner.
    — Alex Krutz, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • Paul Taylor Sunderland Sunderland’s pre-season has gradually improved, as defeats to Liverpool and Leeds have given way to encouraging performances, and wins, against Wrexham and Lens.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The story is less encouraging for those trying to break into the job market and for those who lost their jobs and are looking for new work.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouraging
Noun
  • The event featured Georgia's congressional, Senate, House, and gubernatorial candidates discussing key economic issues affecting the state and nation.
    — Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow, is a top Republican candidate in the governor's race.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of candidate
Adjective
  • Peridot acts as a buffer for Virgos, helping to soften their tendency for self-criticism and encouraging a more optimistic outlook.
    — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But optimistic lenses might cite the relative improvement by arguing that gap has shrunk when compared to the roughly $26,100 gap a year ago, and nearly $28,900 two years ago.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of optimistic
Adjective
  • This year, however, the Supreme Court cleared the way for Alabama to use a map more favorable to Republicans, which eliminates one of Alabama's two majority-Black seats.
    — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • This year's display is particularly favorable because the shower peaks on the night of the new moon, leaving skies free from bright moonlight that can wash out fainter meteors.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of favorable
Noun
  • One of the top contenders for the AA title, reigning Pan American floor champion Claire Pease opened her night on floor exercise.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The Indiana Fever — a habitual middle-of-the-pack franchise, 14 years removed from its only championship — have been on a hot streak on the court lately that has carried them up among the championship contenders.
    — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of contender
Adjective
  • For example, when light bends around a sharp obstacle or boundary, such as a knife edge, the waves bend and interfere with one another to create bands of dark and bright light.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • While The Row’s version is sold out in classic shades like black and cream, Quince just dropped fresh summer and early fall colors, including ivory, bright red, and tea green.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • The researchers scanned the brains of eight dogs — six border collies, a labrador and a golden retriever — while showing them images of strangers with either a happy or a neutral expression.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Yet the socialist ideal still beckons – the idea that the state, embodied either in one person or somehow in the masses, can make people richer or happier by controlling the engines of production.
    — James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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