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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.

McAfee was among those hopeful that Kennedy’s tenure would usher in a more favorable regulatory environment for raw dairy producers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Paul Davy, 61, helped keep the group of friends connected throughout the years, after many of them left the company, by sending hopeful emails of a big jackpot win.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“But I am hopeful and I would guarantee we will find things in space that have enormous economic value.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

He looks terribly embarrassed now—hopeful and needy and then embarrassed for being hopeful and needy.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

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