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
Literary Hub, 8 May 2026
Spencer Pratt, the former reality TV star turned Los Angeles mayoral hopeful, is coming off a busy week in the headlines thanks to his participation in a debate and his sharing of conversation-stirring videos in support of his candidacy.
—Paris Barraza, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Lisa Gutierrez
may 6, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026
Fundraising strength and high-profile endorsements could determine which two hopefuls advance.
—Sacbee.com, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Adjective
The data actually paints a surprisingly hopeful picture of humankind, proving that our baseline is a profound desire to understand the world and help each other.
—Literary Hub, 8 May 2026
Spencer Pratt, the former reality TV star turned Los Angeles mayoral hopeful, is coming off a busy week in the headlines thanks to his participation in a debate and his sharing of conversation-stirring videos in support of his candidacy.
—Paris Barraza, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Noun
Typically, many hopefuls either cheered or were on dance teams in college.
—Lisa Gutierrez
may 6, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026
Fundraising strength and high-profile endorsements could determine which two hopefuls advance.
—Sacbee.com, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeful
Adjective
-
His breakout has been among the most promising signs for the Twins.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2026
-
Again, one expected of an assured athlete anticipating a promising NBA career.—
Jason Jones,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
One encouraging exchange today could shift both your confidence and the scale of what feels possible.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 May 2026
-
Still, the comedian delivered some encouraging news amid the difficult recovery.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
This June, the Brooklyn Can’t Wait slate of reform-minded candidates is running to build a transparent, accountable, and inclusive party.—
Adam Davis,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
-
If accepted, candidates may begin attending seminary school, which, like other forms of higher education, will include classes, exams and studying.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the temple's optimistic outlook, the move has drawn criticism online.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
Some observers are less optimistic about a deal in the near term, however.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Some time later, a colleague convinced him to rein in his gland reductions, arguing that the glands could instead be moved into a more favorable position by adjusting the platysma using a specific technique.—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
14 May 2026
-
The lawsuit argues that allowing such a transfer could create incentives for states to enrich a president in hopes of favorable federal treatment.—
Abby Dodge,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Barring an Eric Swalwell-style blow-up, the top three — Becerra, Steyer and Hilton — are really the only true contenders.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
-
King is more likely to be a lock for the practice squad than a legitimate contender for the 53-man roster entering OTAs.—
Mike Kaye
Updated May 14,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
The food is rustic and cosmopolitan at once — bright, monumental salads, whole carrots and leeks baptized by fire, skeins of pasta, and Parmigiano snowing down — but the secret is the seeming effortlessness.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
Eventually, Delta switched the shuttle to one of the main terminals, and in 2021 Spirit moved into the Marine Air Terminal, bringing its bright-yellow livery and ultra-discount business model with it.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
Yes, The Comeback put on a happy face, for Valerie’s sake.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
11 May 2026
-
The games, piled high on shelves and tables, actually had an organization system, something Carolyn was not used to but was quite happy about.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeful. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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