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
Abigail Lee, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
Amid some dip buying, investors also appeared hopeful the U.S. will begin talks that could lead to deals that lower the duties over time.
—Chloe Taylor,sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
Against that backdrop, different Democrats widely floated as presidential hopefuls for 2028 have stepped into the spotlight.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
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show current usage.
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Adjective
June became hopeful that the American rescue mission would lead to a reunion with her daughter, but that was unsuccessful.
—Abigail Lee, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
Amid some dip buying, investors also appeared hopeful the U.S. will begin talks that could lead to deals that lower the duties over time.
—Chloe Taylor,sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
More than $100 million in state grant funding has been left unclaimed by My Safe Florida Home program applicants, and grant hopefuls are urged to immediately take steps to claim $10,000 for home-hardening projects.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
Against that backdrop, different Democrats widely floated as presidential hopefuls for 2028 have stepped into the spotlight.
—Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 25 Mar. 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 15 Apr. 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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