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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.

McVay expressed confidence in fourth-year pro Stetson Bennett, but said he was hopeful that “when the time is right,” Garoppolo will “change his mind,” and return.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

"At a time when pollinators are facing global decline, this work offers a hopeful message: solutions may already be emerging in the field, and we just need to understand them," Chong-Echavez said.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

However, while many Jews are mulling whether they see their futures in the UK, Rabbi Walker, remains hopeful.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Asian equities broadly rose as investors remained hopeful that the U.S. and Iran will reach a peace deal soon, allowing the Strait of Hormuz to reopen its oil-shipping lane.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

In sum, the long-term prospects for the newly independent American nation were extraordinarily hopeful, almost limitless.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing hopeful

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Emotions on Display

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