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Definitions

hopeful

[hohp-fuhl] / ˈhoʊp fəl /
ADJECTIVE
optimistic, expectant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
buoyant cheerful comfortable confident eager enthusiastic rosy sanguine trusting upbeat
STRONG
calm content faithful high
WEAK
anticipating anticipative assured at ease blithe elated emboldened expecting forward-looking hoping inspirited keeping the faith lighthearted looking forward to reassured rose-colored satisfied serene trustful unflagging
Antonyms
STRONGEST
apathetic depressed down pessimistic sad unenthusiastic unhappy
WEAK
despairing desperate despondent discouraged fearful low wretched
ADJECTIVE
promising, auspicious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cheerful encouraging exciting favorable fortunate good gracious likely pleasant probable reasonable reassuring rosy
STRONG
cheering fair fine fit halcyon pleasing rousing stirring uplifting
WEAK
advantageous arousing beneficial bright conducive convenient elating enlivening expeditious flattering fortifying golden heartening helpful inspiring inspiriting lucky opportune promiseful propitious providential roseate suitable sunny timely well-timed
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disagreeable hateful implausible mean nasty unlikely unpleasant unpromising
STRONG
cloudy dark rainy stormy
WEAK
gloomy hopeless inauspicious pointless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It's a hopeful time to be working on the biology of aging."

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

But as hopeful as the protests were, what happens next will determine whether No Kings is a moment or a movement.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

The plucky little lion has since been transferred to the Oakland Zoo, where veterinarians are hopeful he will make a full recovery.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Take a step back, though, and we’re witnessing something hopeful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

She gives us both a sad, hopeful smile.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.