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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hopeful
Mark Carey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The Bulls were hopeful that Ball would be available for Friday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, but he was ultimately held out of both games this weekend.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Roberta Naas, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Adjective
That said, Barcelona will be hopeful of controlling the game and easing away from Dortmund before those fast breaks become an issue.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
The Bulls were hopeful that Ball would be available for Friday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, but he was ultimately held out of both games this weekend.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
Demand was instant and overwhelming, with tens of thousands of hopefuls registering for a chance to buy one.
—Roberta Naas, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for hopeful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopeful
Adjective
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Gabriel’s older brother David, 22, is a very promising right-handed pitcher in the Texas Rangers’ system.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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Farther away from China lies an even more promising strategic opportunity.—
Linggong Kong,
The Conversation,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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For climate activists, this may be viewed an encouraging green hushing, or the intentional omission of climate friendly and environmentally friendly actions by a company to avoid controversy of liability.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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Even reading about significant crime reduction in my beloved hometown is encouraging.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The firm often watches companies for many years before investing and has an extensive stable of impressive board candidates.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
19 Apr. 2025
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First baseman Josh Bell and relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan were listed by Kelly as two of the 10 most likely candidates to be traded at this year's trade deadline.—
Andrew Wright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Poston is optimistic about the bill going into the House and said there’s an opportunity to inform lawmakers on how big of an impact this package will have on Texas.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Apr. 2025
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Choosing to remain optimistic about the value of individual contributions is not naïve, but a deliberate act of defiance.—
Lauren Stienstra,
Time,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Two women in the crowd sporting red Trump caps appeared to be outnumbered by audience members who took a more favorable stance toward Casten and the Democrats.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
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Trump’s temporary halt will likely push tariffs on India to a baseline of 10% — at least for now — giving it a more favorable entry into the U.S.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Chicago Cubs have done a lot to shape their team into a postseason contender over the last few months, and, to this point, it's paid off quite well.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
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Cleveland would be a sizable underdog to Boston in a potential ECF, but this team is a legit contender.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In the image, the girl group smiled while on a beach at night, as a bright, full moon could be seen in the sky behind them.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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An off-white maxi dress covered in black poppies, their graphic petals bloomed open and surrounded by pops of bright red berries.—
Susannah Cahalan,
Vogue,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Adopting it for use cases that support human workers, rather than attempting to replace them, is likely to lead to happier, less stressed and ultimately more productive employees.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Larry David doesn't sound happy about Bill Maher's dinner with President Donald Trump.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeful. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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