HOPE Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'hope' contrast with its synonyms?

The words expect and look are common synonyms of hope . While all three words mean "to await some occurrence or outcome," hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen. // hopes to find a job soon

Q: When is 'expect' a more appropriate choice than 'hope'?

In some situations, the words expect and hope are roughly equivalent. However, expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning. // expects to be finished by Tuesday

Q: When would 'look' be a good substitute for 'hope'?

While the synonyms look and hope are close in meaning, look , with to , implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness. // looks to a tidy profit from the sale // look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast

hope 1 of 2

verb

Definition of hope next

as in to wish

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

hope

2 of 2

noun

as in hopefulness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in confidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hope contrast with its synonyms?

The words expect and look are common synonyms of hope. While all three words mean "to await some occurrence or outcome," hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen.

hopes to find a job soon

When is expect a more appropriate choice than hope?

In some situations, the words expect and hope are roughly equivalent. However, expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning.

expects to be finished by Tuesday

When would look be a good substitute for hope?

While the synonyms look and hope are close in meaning, look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness.

looks to a tidy profit from the sale

look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast

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 hope

Verb

By encouraging customers to mix sugi with more popular hardwoods, Ueda hopes to play a part in revitalizing forestry and restoring biodiversity. —

Hannah Kirshner, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2025 Graham hopes his final game ends with hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the second time in his career. —

Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025

Noun

By Megan McCluskey February 9, 2025 6:15 PM EST For the second year in a row, Taylor Swift is in attendance at the Super Bowl to cheer on her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in hopes of securing a NFL championship three-peat. —

Megan McCluskey, TIME, 9 Feb. 2025 Police on Saturday released images of the attacker in the hopes someone recognizes him. —

Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hope

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope

Verb

Brown's remaining living daughter, Phyllis Denise wished her mother a happy 71st birthday in a Facebook post in 2021.

— Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
The other, the Ukrainian president said, wished to return home.

— Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025