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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.

Those who took that as a hopeful sign now say their hopes are deflated.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 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

"We're hopeful there will be further reductions amounting to several pence a litre in the coming days," said Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 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

Not feeling any less lonely, but a bit more hopeful.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

Vocabulary lists containing hopeful

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