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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hopeful
Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2025
The one-year recognition for her character, Ofglen, appears to fall outside the bounds of eligibility, but the streamer is hopeful the TV Academy will consider her circumstances.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 May 2025
Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
This year, the U’s top hopefuls include Aireontae Ersery, Jay Joyner, Justin Walley, Cody Lindenberg, Max Brosmer and Daniel Jackson.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Adjective
But, as many fans already know, there’s reason to be hopeful about the story ahead.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2025
The one-year recognition for her character, Ofglen, appears to fall outside the bounds of eligibility, but the streamer is hopeful the TV Academy will consider her circumstances.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 27 May 2025
Noun
Helsley's electric fastball and tumbling slider will be at the top of teams' lists, and if the Diamondbacks wait and the Cardinals look to move him, the asking price could result in a bidding war among playoff hopefuls.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
This year, the U’s top hopefuls include Aireontae Ersery, Jay Joyner, Justin Walley, Cody Lindenberg, Max Brosmer and Daniel Jackson.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeful
Adjective
-
No one would dare predict that an American man is going to be lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires June 8, but the current generation of American twenty-somethings is still taking promising baby steps in the City of Light.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
1 June 2025
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New studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, in the last few days offer promising findings for both pharmaceutical and lifestyle interventions, including the impact of diet and exercise.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
1 June 2025
Adjective
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This is an encouraging sign that generative AI and large language models (LLMs) provide a potential facility for adequately performing mental health therapy.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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City officials say that’s a somewhat encouraging sign as the city struggles to address a yearslong lifeguard shortage — a common affliction among parks departments across the country.—
Alyce McFadden,
New York Times,
25 May 2025
Noun
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Lee said she’s voiced this concern to Johnson before and suggested Asian American candidates for open positions, but they were not selected.—
Alice Yin,
Chicago Tribune,
25 May 2025
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But when pollsters read biographies of Democratic candidates, Sage established a slight lead over Ernst.—
Andrew Stanton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Nobody really knows, but to be happy, the key is to be optimistic.—
The Learning Network,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
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Still, Smith is optimistic about the team’s outlook.—
Taylor Lyons,
Baltimore Sun,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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The pressure to deliver favorable outcomes for clients can lead to chronic stress and anxiety.—
Raquel Gomes,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
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And to make matters even more favorable for Indiana, the Knicks looked a little worn out.—
Shakeia Taylor,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
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The Champions League is the ultimate barometer of the continent’s elite clubs and up until now PSG has been a flashy contender that always came up short.—
James Robson,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2025
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Now that Edmonton’s non-superstars are finally winning their minutes, the Oilers are a contender.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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But for those with the skill and will to change theirs, the weather looks much brighter.—
John Readman,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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But when done right, the whole room can seem brighter and more spacious.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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This plant is especially happy when growing in a hanging basket so that its stems can drape over the sides.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
28 May 2025
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That said, Bono was more than happy to be included in the Trump dump.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeful. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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