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
This week’s rapturous After Dark selection also reminded me of something hopeful a dear friend said recently. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 17 July 2026 The deal for the 194-room hotel offers hopeful signs for the reeling hospitality sector in the Bay Area. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
Noun
The move was designed to better accommodate promotional campaign schedules for Emmy hopefuls. — Naomi Jeffries, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 The latest hopeful is the PocketTrio, a palm-sized camera currently seeking backers on Kickstarter. — New Atlas, 8 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
  • After the triumph of Spain’s golden generation, Perez and Madrid spent significant funds on the most promising prospects in Spanish football.
    — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • The film was previously presented with the Activator Market Potential Award at the 2025 Golden Horse Film Project Promotion (FPP) in Taipei, where it was selected among the year’s most promising projects from emerging Asian filmmakers.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 23 July 2026
Definition of promising
Adjective
  • The encouraging conclusion is that the path forward does not require wholesale replacement.
    — Derek Williams, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The newly independent FedEx Freight checks that box, as does Honeywell Technologies , which delivered an encouraging earnings report on Thursday morning.
    — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 23 July 2026
Definition of encouraging
Noun
  • Kyle Clark, an anchorman on Denver’s 9News, asked the candidate in a persistent and revealing sit-down interview.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
  • That might not be enough, however, to sway right-leaning independent voters such as Ernie Barten, 75, of Phoenix, who planned to support first-time candidate Neely in the GOP primary.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 July 2026
Definition of candidate
Adjective
  • We’d been conditioned to be optimistic and trusting of leadership.
    — Claire Stapleton, New Yorker, 18 July 2026
  • The optimistic interpretation is that Nolan’s visibility among directors has never been higher, and that his leadership role only strengthens his relationship with the very voters who determine the DGA winner.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 July 2026
Definition of optimistic
Adjective
  • Combined with a favorable exchange rate and London’s reputation as a global business and cultural hub, the city continues to attract wealthy buyers looking for both a long-term investment and a European home base.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 July 2026
  • By selling the August $60 put, options traders capture rich implied volatility ahead of August earnings while capitalizing on Ball Corp's robust cash flows, debt reduction discipline, and favorable historical post-earnings price stability.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 22 July 2026
Definition of favorable
Noun
  • One of the strongest contenders who could challenge Reyes is Mia Donadio, who returns with the experience of participating last year in Miss Universe Cuba.
    — Sarah Moreno July 17, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • France had been tipped as a strong contender for the trophy after previously topping the FIFA men's ranking.
    — Patricio Chile, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Definition of contender
Adjective
  • The resulting cocktail is viscerally refreshing, juicy, and bright, but also deeply flavored and complex.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 18 July 2026
  • The fragrance opens with bright neroli and sunny marigold before settling into warm cedarwood, creating a scent that feels fresh, warm, and effortlessly sophisticated.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 July 2026
Definition of bright
Adjective
  • Terry Yost, a safety coordinator for Western Trailers, told the Statesman that Concentra has been a great partner for years, and the business is happy to have this resource for its Idaho employees now.
    — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026
  • Everyone was happy to see Tim Ream excused his yellow card and Miguel Almiron cautioned for diving, including me.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 22 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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