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
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Recent Examples of hopeful
Michael Cox, New York Times, 27 July 2025
The reboot was a major comeback for the series, falling within range of analysts’ expectations but short of a hopeful $130 million.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
CBS News, 15 July 2025
Councilwoman Crystal Murillo, who in her day job serves as executive director of the social justice advocacy group Colorado People’s Alliance, thinks higher compensation would broaden the pool of hopefuls who might seek office.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Adjective
This hopeful ball in behind caused problems for Paredes…
…who looked second-favourite, but used her strength to simply barge Eurlings off the ball.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 27 July 2025
The reboot was a major comeback for the series, falling within range of analysts’ expectations but short of a hopeful $130 million.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
Noun
Kelly Presnell/Arizona Daily Star via AP Adelita Grijalva was among a batch of Democratic hopefuls seeking the nomination in the primary for the 7th Congressional District seat.
—CBS News, 15 July 2025
Councilwoman Crystal Murillo, who in her day job serves as executive director of the social justice advocacy group Colorado People’s Alliance, thinks higher compensation would broaden the pool of hopefuls who might seek office.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeful
Adjective
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The amalgamation of artificial intelligence with quantum computing will transform existing computational paradigms, heralding a promising future, but with risks.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Suarez had another promising chance early in the second half, which barely missed.—
Andre Fernandez,
Miami Herald,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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The order was encouraging, said Erin Tsurumoto Grassi, associate director of Alliance San Diego, a nonprofit that provides legal services to immigrants and advocates for human rights.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 July 2025
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The encouraging sign on this front is that Maresca has received a lot of credit within Chelsea for his intelligent management of his squad at the Club World Cup.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
Noun
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The tribes noted that the result of the redistricting was that for the first time in 35 years, no Native American candidate was serving in the North Dakota Senate.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
24 July 2025
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The Daily News also plans to offer readers an interactive pipeline to the politicians, using our reach to bring to light the demands and questions of the people the candidates are seeking to represent.—
Andrew Julien,
New York Daily News,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Variety projected the film to earn $45 million to $52 million this weekend, while Box Office Pro’s forecast was a bit more optimistic with a $45 million to $55 million second frame projection.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Turkish denim mill Isko is less optimistic about business.—
Andre Claudio,
Sourcing Journal,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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YouGov/Economist also reported a decline, from 39 percent favorable and 45 percent unfavorable in January to 37 percent favorable and 51 percent unfavorable in July.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Aug. 2025
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The risk-benefit ratio of the COVID-19 vaccination remains strongly favorable.—
Armstrong Williams,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
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According to multiple reports, the UFC parted ways with 33-year-old Slovakian heavyweight contender Martin Buday.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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Kienholz was probably the slightly better of the two contenders, but the goal for both is to start stringing good practices together to make the decision easier.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Bring it all to life this month by saying yes only to the people, opportunities, and experiences that excite you, and no to anyone or anything that drains your bright light.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Aug. 2025
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The video — which is less than 10 seconds — delivers glimpses of the new suit, which features raised black webbing against the sharp red that is reminiscent of the comics' bright red and blue suit.—
Mekishana Pierre,
EW.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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For his part, Aaron was happy that wasn’t an option.—
Ryan Ford,
Freep.com,
14 July 2025
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There are four key stakeholder groups that college presidents must keep happy: students, faculty, donors, and the board of trustees.—
Matthew Scogin,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeful. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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