HOPEFUL Synonyms: 126 Similar and Opposite Words

hopeful 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhōp-fəl

Definition of hopeful

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

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

hopeful

2 of 2

noun

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

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 hopeful

Adjective

Lygo is hopeful that the broadcaster will remain intact beyond the term of its license. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Ramirez seems hopeful that the first base experiment works out. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

Noun

Other hopefuls need these points to make the Tour Championship cut next weekend. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Barajas, the spokesman for Hilton’s campaign, said the Republican hopeful has agreed to each and every invitation. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hopeful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeful

Adjective

With Adults, being funny is what matters most, and in that regard, this is a very promising premiere.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Smaller payouts scare off potential investors, meaning promising treatments are often left on a shelf.

— Brad Quick, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of promising

Adjective

While this figure appears to add a bright spot to an otherwise weak employment report, the underlying cause is far from encouraging.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
At safety, Chamarri Conner and Alohi Gilman are the starters, and Jaden Hicks has had an encouraging preseason.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of encouraging

Noun

Two healthy scratches may come from this group — Alexander and Jamison-Travis would be candidates as the roster stands now.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Linney’s Guardian tries to draw out some resentment from her new candidate, but John expresses (or feigns) sympathy for Hal, who was betrayed by his father figure Sinestro, an experience John likens to his own complicated upbringing.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of candidate

Adjective

Demographic experts are cautiously optimistic about the new scheme, which appears to offer more sustained and holistic support for families.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
The 192-mile electric figure is reported as CLTC, which is China's relatively optimistic test cycle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of optimistic

Adjective

Sulfolane has received less favorable assessments under more recent solvent-selection guidance, including concerns around reproductive toxicity.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
That, coupled with a favorable schedule featuring home games against TCU, BYU, Baylor, Arizona State and Iowa State, should help the Knights become bowl-eligible for the first time since the 2023 season.

— Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of favorable

Noun

Here’s a closer look at the remaining meetings between division contenders.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
The schedule ahead will brings more challenges; the Dragons face championship contenders North Crowley and Allen before District 4-6A play.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of contender

Adjective

Put the cutting in a warm place with bright, indirect light, keep the soil evenly moist, and open the bag once each day to let in fresh air.

— Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
Mystery Men Throw it back to the Y2K era with this 1999 comedy starring a plethora of the era’s brightest comedic talents, including Ben Stiller, Kel Mitchell, Janeane Garofolo, and Paul Reubens.

— Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of bright

Adjective

However, Heaika expects some things in return and isn’t happy to see Ejva fall for his cousin.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
The question to ponder in sports today is whether speech functions as an act with a cost or as a renewable resource for an audience happy to waste time on slop.

— Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of happy

Browse Nearby Words

hope (for)

hopeful

hopefully

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeful. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of hopeful

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes