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

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

The Tigers defeated fellow CFP hopefuls UNLV in Week 0, 27-21, and then handily dispatched Arkansas State 42-24 last weekend. — Idaho Statesman, 8 Sep. 2026

With a recent Gallup poll showing that 75% of Democrats are opposed to data centers being built near them, presidential hopefuls will be jockeying to position themselves as the one who was against data centers earliest and most often. — Patrick McNamara, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Brighton were most people’s picks for dark-horse hopefuls this season, particularly after reaching their first major final under former head coach Dario Vidosic in his second season in charge. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Telluride’s 53rd edition offers an unusually eclectic lineup, with tributes to Sandra Hüller, John Malkovich and Andrew Haigh and a strong mix of awards hopefuls and less obvious choices. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

At the same time, Venice remains one of the fall’s key launchpads for prestige movies, awards hopefuls and international titles looking to build momentum with distributors and buyers. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026

There will always be a spotlight for the Hollywood contingent and the awards hopefuls posing on boats and docks in designer duds. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

Both Democratic and Republican hopefuls have spoken out against the facilities during their campaigns. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Video

Hopefully

We believe the popular usage of this word is correct