1
: having qualities which inspire hope
hopeful signs of economic recovery
2
: full of hope : inclined to hope
hopefulness
noun
Examples of hopeful in a Sentence
Adjective
The mood is sad rather than hopeful.
He was hopeful that things would get better soon.
I still feel hopeful about the future.
She is hopeful of winning the race.
a hopeful tone of voice
There are hopeful signs that the crisis may end soon.
The movie has a hopeful ending.
Investigators report that there have been some hopeful developments in the case.
Noun
the three mayoral hopefuls are going to debate on local TV
Recent Examples on the Web
Dana Feldman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Other testimony came from character witnesses who described Syed as having an even temper, strong communication skills, loving relationships and an impressive ability to remain hopeful during his long prison term.
—Brian Witte, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Grammy hopefuls are probably waiting until May to drop anything.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
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Adjective
These stories are dark, yet hopeful testaments to the human will to survive against all odds.
—Dana Feldman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Other testimony came from character witnesses who described Syed as having an even temper, strong communication skills, loving relationships and an impressive ability to remain hopeful during his long prison term.
—Brian Witte, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
Each year, hundreds of NFL draft hopefuls attempt to impress future employers with a dazzling display of skill and athleticism at the NFL scouting combine, which is a major cog in the NFL draft’s evaluation machine.
—Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Grammy hopefuls are probably waiting until May to drop anything.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hopeful. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hopeful
1 of 2 adjective
hope·ful
ˈhōp-fəl 
1
: having qualities which inspire hope
2
: full of or inclined to hope
hopefulness
noun
hopeful
2 of 2 noun
: a person who has hopes or is considered promising
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