hope 1 of 2

verb

Definition of hopenext
as in to wish

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

hope

2 of 2

noun

1
as in hopefulness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in confidence

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in plan

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hope contrast with its synonyms?

The words expect and look are common synonyms of hope. While all three words mean "to await some occurrence or outcome," hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen.

hopes to find a job soon

When is expect a more appropriate choice than hope?

In some situations, the words expect and hope are roughly equivalent. However, expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning.

expects to be finished by Tuesday

When would look be a good substitute for hope?

While the synonyms look and hope are close in meaning, look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness.

looks to a tidy profit from the sale
look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hope
Verb
Kansas City finished second in the AL Central last season and hopes to take the next step in 2025. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025 The dessert makers are hoping to have another record-breaking year. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
The hope is that, whether with drugs or diet, far more people will soon be able to say the same. —Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2025 For all United’s ongoing travails, the Europa League offers a glimmer of hope on the horizon. —Chris Weatherspoon, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope
  1. wish
  2. confidence
  3. plan
  4. dream
  5. trust
  6. idea
  7. look
  8. faith
Verb
  • In the comments, fans poured out love and support to Cauthen wishing him well and commending him for listening to his body.
    — Rachel Flynn, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Anyone wishing to donate to Swiantek’s family can do so at ourcommunityheros.org.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of wish
Noun
  • Despite my setbacks, personal development via baseball unleashed my Inner Underdog to earn respect, gain confidence, and become a leader.
    — Quang X. Pham, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • But in its latest earnings report in February, Paramount management expressed confidence in its film strategy.
    — Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of confidence
Noun
  • Don't assume the worst will happen, but develop a step-by-step plan for each worst-case scenario.
    — Pamela Furr, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Another variable is the administration's plan to slash EPA's staff and spending.
    — Neela Banerjee, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of plan
Verb
  • Spilt Milk, set against the backdrop of 1980s working class Dublin, follows 11-year-old Bobby (Cillian Sullivan), who dreams of being a detective just like his TV idol Kojak.
    — Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Say goodbye to counting sheep and hello to a peaceful night of dreaming with this sleep trick popular in Scandinavian countries.
    — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of dream
Noun
  • Vince Lago: The biggest challenge is restoring trust through transparency.
    — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Bushe believes that leaders who excel in these skills will be best positioned to earn and retain stakeholder trust while safeguarding their organization’s ethical integrity.
    — Sally Percy, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of trust
Noun
  • Then Sterling did some less effective things and got suspended anyway, so that mad idea was, at least, parked for the time being.
    — Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • And then there was the Drip God, which was never my idea.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of idea
Verb
  • Four of these teams were the last four teams in the Tournament, while the other four teams playing in Dayton are 16-seeds looking to advance to play one of the favorites to win the whole thing.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Researchers indicate that the next frontier of this work should look at how heat exposure within people's homes shapes health outcomes.
    — Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of look
Noun
  • At just 24 years old, Bramlett took a leap of faith that would change both her life and the life of a 5-year-old boy in need of a home.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Yet, for a faith steeped in the veneration of the remains–or relics–of saints, St. Patrick’s relics have been debated by historians, archeologists, and the clergy for centuries.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of faith

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Cite this Entry

“Hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hope. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hope

Nglish: Translation of hope for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hope

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