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

The return of Webster as a spirit of sorts was something co-showrunners Tim Minear and Rashad Raisani had long hoped to make happen as the show approached its end with next week's series finale. —

EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025 Much like Denmark hopes Trump will abandon his ideas for US control of Greenland, the moderate Arab states will be praying that the US President forgets about transferring the Gazans. —

Tim Lister, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025

Noun

Deerfield will spend up to $130 million over the next 10 years, and offer its expertise to help advance the university’s discoveries, in hopes of bringing them to the health care market. —

Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025 Talk to him about his hopes for the future with you. —

Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hope

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope

Verb

One wishes that the director had used this thread to comment more forcefully or even satirically on this striking relationship between the military and Hollywood.

— Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025
In 2024, Bud Light used the Super Bowl to introduce the Bud Light Genie, an affable creature who granted a group of friends many wishes during an epic night out.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025