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

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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 hopefuls Christian Braun took a little break from strenuous offseason rehab on his left ankle last weekend to support young Denver Nuggets roster hopefuls during games in the NBA’s Las Vegas Summer League. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026 Maine Democrats are seeking a new nominee, and several hopefuls have already begun jockeying for position. — Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 The move was designed to better accommodate promotional campaign schedules for Emmy hopefuls. — Naomi Jeffries, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 There’s no rest for the Emmy hopefuls in the late-night and reality categories. — Peter White, Deadline, 7 July 2026 His bid has splintered Trump-backing Republicans, who question his experience and Duffy’s influence, as rivals include former Iran hostage Kevin Hermening, business executive Jessi Ebben and other local hopefuls. — Scott Bauer, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 For Johnathon, every ride is preparation for his first taste of US competition with nine other young Australian hopefuls, who are flying to Texas for the Youth Bull Riders World Finals this July. — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 Boston Consulting Group suggests CEO hopefuls start cultivating a social media presence and demonstrating the ability to represent a company at least five years before expecting to take the top job. — Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 5 July 2026 By the following day, 40,000 more hopefuls were on the queue, but were told the tickets had sold out. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 3 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopefuls
  1. candidates
  2. contenders
  3. applicants
Noun
  • Authorities arrested presidential candidates, opposition figures, business leaders and journalists ahead of that vote as the government intensified its criminalization of dissent.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • Thank you for the analysis and recommendations of the candidates for judges on our ballots.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
Definition of candidates
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
  • All of the focus this weekend, though, will be about the fight on the field between two title contenders.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
Definition of contenders
Noun
  • Despite the feeling of discouragement that can come with the rejections and even ghostings applicants face, these internships — though sometimes few and far between — still exist.
    — Cami Fateh, Vogue, 15 July 2026
  • Interested applicants can submit their information for consideration, here.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
Definition of applicants

Browse Nearby Words

hopefulness
hopefuls
hopeless
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Cite this Entry

“Hopefuls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopefuls. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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