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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 hopefully
There’s nothing better than a day on the water—just me, my fly rod, and (hopefully) a few trout willing to play along.
—
Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2025
At the same time, there’s hopefully enough empathetic humanism to offset all the acid.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 11 June 2025
Insurers project how much will be paid out in claims plus overhead and hopefully a profit.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2025
According to The Associated Press, the asteroids, chosen for their relatively stable orbits, will hopefully offer clues about the formation of Earth, such as the origins of water.
—Nick Butler, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopefully
Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2025
At the same time, there’s hopefully enough empathetic humanism to offset all the acid.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 11 June 2025
Insurers project how much will be paid out in claims plus overhead and hopefully a profit.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2025
According to The Associated Press, the asteroids, chosen for their relatively stable orbits, will hopefully offer clues about the formation of Earth, such as the origins of water.
—Nick Butler, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopefully
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopefully
happily
Adverb
-
Burns is happily married to a shorter man who doesn’t mind that his wife has several inches on him.—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
7 June 2025
-
Fifteen kids happily stomp their sneakers to the count.—
John Burnett,
NPR,
7 June 2025
Video
Hopefully
We believe the popular usage of this word is correct
Cite this Entry
“Hopefully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopefully. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share