1
: having qualities which inspire hope
hopeful signs of economic recovery
2
: full of hope : inclined to hope
hopefulness
noun
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
Sam Blum, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025
Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Nicole Kidman welcomes a new class of wellness hopefuls in the trailer for Nine Perfect Strangers Season Two.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
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Adjective
And though Trout is optimistic about a quick return, Minasian wasn’t willing to offer the same hopeful message.
—Sam Blum, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Log in Real news can be honest, hopeful, credible, constructive.
—Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025
Noun
The next batch of rookie free-agent hopefuls will participate in minicamp practices at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center this weekend, seeking to make a strong first impression.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Nicole Kidman welcomes a new class of wellness hopefuls in the trailer for Nine Perfect Strangers Season Two.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hopeful. Accessed 19 May. 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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