Synonyms of hopefuls

hopefuls

noun

plural of hopeful

as in candidates

one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award

the three mayoral hopefuls are going to debate on local TV

Synonyms & Similar Words

• candidates
• contenders
• applicants
• aspirants
• seekers
• nominees
• campaigners
• prospects
• competitors
• contestants
• expectants
• entrants
• entries
• qualifiers
• favorites
• appliers
• claimants
• pretenders
• spoilers
• favorite sons
• crown princes
• stalking horses
• running mates
• dark horses

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incumbents
• officeholders
• inductees
• awardees
• dropouts
• honorees
• noncandidates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hopefuls

Toronto leadoff hitter Brett Bateman reached base and scored three times, twice knocked in by Nathan Lukes, and the Blue Jays beat the AL West-leading Texas Rangers 7-2 on Sunday to avoid a series sweep in the matchup of playoff hopefuls. — CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026

The three-hour long finale saw hopefuls Jordan McCullough, Hannah Harper, and Keyla Richardson compete for the final spot. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

With dozens of state bans, a recent Supreme Court ruling and 2028 hopefuls staking divergent positions, the fight over trans rights in sports is reshaping Democrats’ identity and electoral strategy. — Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

At 13, the Thai performer beat out 4,000 hopefuls to join the vaunted South Korean record label YG Entertainment, becoming their first non-Korean trainee. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026

This year’s showcase includes Hawks hopefuls such as Sacha Boisvert, Marek Vanacker and Adam Gajan. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

As a Texas senator, Cruz is one of the few 2028 hopefuls, besides Vance, who’s being featured at the convention. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

The race attracted endorsements on both sides from one-time presidential hopefuls. — Colin Hogan, The Providence Journal, 10 Sep. 2026

While stepping in as press secretary, Vance responded to a question from the Washington Examiner about 2028 hopefuls, such as Cruz and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, by telling Republicans to focus on the midterm elections. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 9 Sep. 2026

Video

Hopefully

We believe the popular usage of this word is correct