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
Relevance
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
Eight months later, a fresh class of best new artist hopefuls is eager for such a moment at the 68th annual Grammys — but in a race that looks nothing like the previous one.
—
Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2025
The pool of hopefuls for Love Is Blind season 9 hail from Denver, a place often associated with craft beer, hiking, and chill vibes.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2025
What about young change-of-scenery hopefuls Ian Mitchell or Jacob Bernard-Docker?
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The conversation, held at the company’s showroom in Midtown Manhattan, brought together industry hopefuls with leaders on building emotional connection(s) with one’s clothing and how to preserve that value—both physically and psychologically.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
Eli successfully played with other walk-on hopefuls and drew the attention of coaches and players alike.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
The new season will not lack for Academy Award hopefuls – among them, All the Walls Came Down, Ondi Timoner’s documentary about the devastation of the Eaton Fire in the Altadena neighborhood of Los Angeles and efforts to rebuild.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
After a grueling eight-hour wait with 10,000 other hopefuls, Nader was one of six girls who passed the test and made it into the issue.
—Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4 in a battle between two Super Bowl hopefuls with 1-2 records.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2025
The pool of hopefuls for Love Is Blind season 9 hail from Denver, a place often associated with craft beer, hiking, and chill vibes.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2025
What about young change-of-scenery hopefuls Ian Mitchell or Jacob Bernard-Docker?
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The conversation, held at the company’s showroom in Midtown Manhattan, brought together industry hopefuls with leaders on building emotional connection(s) with one’s clothing and how to preserve that value—both physically and psychologically.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 1 Oct. 2025
Eli successfully played with other walk-on hopefuls and drew the attention of coaches and players alike.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
The new season will not lack for Academy Award hopefuls – among them, All the Walls Came Down, Ondi Timoner’s documentary about the devastation of the Eaton Fire in the Altadena neighborhood of Los Angeles and efforts to rebuild.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
After a grueling eight-hour wait with 10,000 other hopefuls, Nader was one of six girls who passed the test and made it into the issue.
—Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4 in a battle between two Super Bowl hopefuls with 1-2 records.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopefuls
Noun
-
Those were all topics discussed at a forum for Republican candidates running to represent Kentucky's 6th Congressional District.—
Hannah Pinski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
-
In one of the videos, candidates are seen on the catwalk when the earthquake hits.—
Rajeev Tyagi,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Other contests to watch involve potential conference contenders with Virginia and Louisville meeting for the chance to reach five wins and remain unbeaten in the ACC.—
Jordan Mendoza,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Tennessee and Miami had similar turnover before finding Josh Heupel (who led the Volunteers to the College Football Playoff) and Cristobal (whose Hurricanes are contenders this fall).—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Chiefs have retained CAA ICON to evaluate those applicants.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Some employers like Google, Microsoft, and EY have all offered high-level jobs to applicants without degrees, focusing on work experience and special credentialing.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hopefuls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopefuls. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share