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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.

Some maritime industry executives are hopeful that strong bipartisan support for shipbuilding in recent years will overcome spending concerns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Porkchop, a three-flippered sea turtle, is back in the wild after a year of rehabilitation, a hopeful moment amid ongoing threats from fishing line and trash.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Georgieva said that -- even in the fund's "most hopeful scenario" -- spiraling energy costs, infrastructure damage, supply disruptions and a loss of market confidence meant growth would be less than expected.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Khatibzadeh added: "But as a diplomat, I'm very much hopeful that finally we reach an understanding and settle this within our national interest and within the regional interest."

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

His tail thumps gently on the floor in a hopeful wag.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Vocabulary lists containing hopeful

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