1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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
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Recent Examples of hopeful
Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 6 Jan. 2026
The story follows a young woman, a lifelong swimmer and Olympic hopeful, who accepts a college swimming scholarship in Texas in order to escape an abusive father and an alcoholic, suicidal mother.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 23 Dec. 2025
With four teams down, Ohio State’s +200 mark leads all title hopefuls, a small move from when the bracket was set.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Adjective
Since July, the president has been hopeful to gift the money generated by tariffs to residents giving them a bit of a break.
—Noun
One offered $10,000 aimed at family expenses; another fund covered some costs of travel and training for women who are Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeful
Adjective
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Browns Cleveland boasts an elite defense led by the league’s best pass rusher, an owner who spends more cash than any other team and a promising nucleus from the 2025 draft class.—
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Creativity, romance and pleasure take on a more serious tone, and a connection could feel both exciting and promising.—
Adjective
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The start of the second half was encouraging for the Heat, which cut the deficit to seven points multiple times in the third quarter.—
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The experience gave each child a chance to practice communication and reading skills in a warm and encouraging atmosphere.—
Noun
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Salyer has been perhaps the best candidate at left tackle, having been a starter earlier in his career.—
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The closest candidate is Bucs receiver Emeka Egbuka with 938 and tight end Tyler Warren with 817.—
Adjective
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While the center has shifted its funding to focus to operating the two clinics and remaining open as a gathering space, Hawkins is still optimistic despite the losses.—
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And participants with the top 20% of stock holdings are especially optimistic.—
Adjective
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The main threat will be in the morning into the afternoon hours where conditions will be more favorable for severe development.—
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This matchup, then, could be favorable for the Birds.—
Noun
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Trinidad unexpectedly moved into the starting lineup after the starter quarterback was injured and has since helped the Rebels become a contender in the 2025 college football playoffs, per Grand Rapids Magazine.—
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This article walks you through how hair transplantation in Turkey works, why Turkey has become a global hotspot, and what makes Smile Hair Clinic a serious contender for international patients.—
Adjective
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Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.—
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Researchers have discovered the brightest and most powerful flare ever seen from a supermassive black hole.—
Adjective
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In January 2025, Lane posted a photo on Instagram of himself hugging Layla and wishing her a happy birthday.—
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Kinnear, though, is happy with the lineup.—
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeful. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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