hopefully

adverb

Definition of hopefullynext
as in optimistically
in a positive or optimistic manner They waited hopefully for the doctor to update them on their friend's condition. When the sun appeared, we asked hopefully if everyone remembered to bring sunblock.

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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 hopefully The planned purchase indicates Taiwan’s learning lessons from the armed conflicts in Ukraine and Iran to hopefully deter an attack by China, while at the same time turbocharging its domestic drone industry. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Holliday is brainstorming ways to hopefully reverse the trend. — Rina Nakano, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 The cRPO arrow is pointing higher, and hopefully that continues in future quarters. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 Be sure to watch for Ralphie running across the field (hopefully accompanied by her handlers) and Uga's shenanigans. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hopefully
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopefully
  1. optimistically
  2. cheerfully
  3. confidently
  4. happily
  5. joyfully
  6. positively
  7. joyously
Adverb
  • The bill’s supporters optimistically stress how Thune has promised there will be a vote in September.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The doc ends optimistically with a brief shot of the Tesla Roadster prototype.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 26 July 2026
Definition of optimistically
Adverb
  • Wagoner eventually recovers and the two cheerfully finish the song to applause.
    — Stephanie Vander Wel, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026
  • At the top end, suites are spacious and cheerfully appointed, with smartly outfitted living rooms, double sinks in the bathrooms, robes, and patterned ceramics.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheerfully
Adverb
  • And many doctors who certify deaths in emergency rooms and hospitals, or for patients who die at home, don't have protocols for confidently identifying heat impacts, says Khatana.
    — Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Others are already moving confidently through modern cities, studying, working and shaping lives increasingly separate from traditional expectations.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of confidently
Adverb
  • Spending more time crafting weak-salsa anti-Latino jokes than improving the lives of Latinos — that’s the racist swamp the president and his team happily fester in.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Leaving him was necessary, and the woman is now happily remarried.
    — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of happily
Adverb
  • On a wall nearby, a large framed photo captures the surf-loving Alex standing joyfully on a bluff high above the crashing waves, arms outstretched, his hair blowing in the breeze.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • As the jingle continues, the surrounding people come together, joyfully singing with Kelce while holding containers of urine.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of joyfully
Adverb
  • The poll showed that 62% of Republicans had a favorable view of McCormick, while 19% of Democrats viewed him positively.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Analyst Kevin Cassidy at Rosenblatt told CNBC on Monday that markets would respond positively to a third-quarter revenue forecast around $105 billion.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of positively
Adverb
  • Newcomer Jorge Mateo delivered the winning run with a liner to left, and the Rays joyously celebrated their third walk-off win.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Prolific and versatile, Richard Linklater has been one of the most joyously unpredictable filmmakers for more than 35 years.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of joyously

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hopeful
hopefully
hopefulness
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Cite this Entry

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

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