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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Perez plans on hopefully expanding her family with her husband in the near future.
—
Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 6 July 2025
Eight hours later, the then 19-year-old would clock out and head back to find somewhere to hopefully get some sleep.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
The amount of time PE firms have held onto their assets—before hopefully flipping them for a profit—has climbed steadily since 2018.
—Greg McKenna, Fortune, 25 June 2025
The publicity cycle may be ramped up by social media, but, hopefully, the wheels of bureaucracy still turn slowly.
—Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopefully
Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 6 July 2025
Eight hours later, the then 19-year-old would clock out and head back to find somewhere to hopefully get some sleep.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
The amount of time PE firms have held onto their assets—before hopefully flipping them for a profit—has climbed steadily since 2018.
—Greg McKenna, Fortune, 25 June 2025
The publicity cycle may be ramped up by social media, but, hopefully, the wheels of bureaucracy still turn slowly.
—Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopefully
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopefully
happily
Adverb
-
Best Pottery Barn Outdoor Lighting Deals Adding a touch of lighting to your yard can instantly enhance the mood, and keeps the summertime patio conversations with friends and family happily carry longer into the evening.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 July 2025
-
In video footage of his first day back on the job, Freddie behaves confidently, assessing the airport terminal happenings, rising on his hind legs to sniff a mountain of luggage and happily snarfing a treat.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
13 July 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 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share