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.

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

I paused, looked at the seat and then back at his hopeful, earnest face.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Sharp selloffs are followed by brief, hopeful rallies that fade just as quickly.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

There are lots of videos and photos on social media of hopeful parents sharing their positive experiences.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

I don’t know how to tell him how it makes me feel— sad and hopeful and cared for, all at once.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila