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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If the Bills can find an encouraging developmental offensive lineman with starter traits to stash on the inactive list all year, that’s an intriguing proposition.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
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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The move likely keeps the Pacers in a more favorable postseason picture: a first-round matchup against a Milwaukee Bucks team missing Damian Lillard and a possible second-round matchup against the Cavaliers — and not the defending champion Boston Celtics.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
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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The fire broke out overnight after Shapiro, considered a potential presidential contender for the Democratic Party in 2028, and his family celebrated the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Multilayered aromas of honeycomb, seashell and hazelnuts with pear tart flavors and bright acidity with a very long finish of saline minerality. 2023 SHABO, Rosé Wine: 100% Pinot Noir.—
Cathrine Todd,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Murillo remains one of the brightest defensive talents in Europe.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Read More About: MTV RuPaul's Drag Race TV News TV Ratings Subscribe to Deadline Get our Breaking News Alerts and Keep your inbox happy.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
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They’re actually formulated with moisturizing ingredients like (vitamin E and hyaluronic acid) to nourish the skin, with noncomedogenic options to keep acne-prone skin happy.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hopeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopeful. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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