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

Examples 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

Republicans hope the tool will be useful as Trump promises a wholesale reevaluation of the federal government. —

David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Dec. 2024 When summer arrived, everyone hoped the tragedies were behind them. —

Max Kutner, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024

Noun

When done correctly, the consumer is lured into buying more than initially intended in hopes of recreating the brand’s stories shared in: Social Media Teasers: Bite-sized visuals and taglines introducing products through aspirational storytelling. —

Lilian Raji, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 The ground-level commercial space is anticipated to create new opportunities for local businesses in hopes of stimulating economic growth and enhancing the area's attractiveness. —

Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hope

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope

Verb

Gabriel did not wish to become an overworked, underpaid secondary-school teacher.

Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

Bill Wachsberger, Baltimore Sun, 15 Dec. 2024