1
: having qualities which inspire hope
hopeful signs of economic recovery
2
: full of hope : inclined to hope
hopefulness
noun
Synonyms
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
Maddy Savage, TIME, 18 Jan. 2025
Addressing pressing concerns such as identity, religious trauma, displacement and the challenge to stay hopeful in an increasingly difficult world, Oladokun displayed a knack for making her personal thoughts relatable to the masses.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025
Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
In recent weeks, Democrats — even would-be hopefuls like Newsom — haven’t offered much in the way of change, some in the party say.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hopeful 
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Adjective
At Aalto University, Amiri, the sustainability researcher, is also hopeful that the trend can grow globally—including in the U.S.
—Maddy Savage, TIME, 18 Jan. 2025
Addressing pressing concerns such as identity, religious trauma, displacement and the challenge to stay hopeful in an increasingly difficult world, Oladokun displayed a knack for making her personal thoughts relatable to the masses.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
The fest also confirmed the full slate of career-retrospective tributes with Oscar hopefuls that will take place at the historic Arlington Theatre on almost every evening of the fest.
—Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
In recent weeks, Democrats — even would-be hopefuls like Newsom — haven’t offered much in the way of change, some in the party say.
—Amie Parnes, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hopeful
Dictionary Entries Near hopeful
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hopeful. Accessed 22 Jan. 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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