hope 1 of 2

Definition of hopenext

hope

2 of 2

noun

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

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
Meanwhile, the two parties are gearing up for November’s midterm elections, where Republicans hope to hold onto slim majorities in both chambers of Congress. Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026 But fans may hope that where there’s a will, there’s a way. Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
The hope now for Gunners fans is that their team can take some inspiration from the improved performance, albeit a losing one, against Manchester City yesterday and turn around their form just in time. Ben Church, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026 With young adult themes of heartache and hope in an uncertain world, this is the right moment for this film. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope
Verb
  • Organizers now hold the Israeli gathering at undisclosed venues and under tight security, broadcasting to multiple sites for those who wish to participate remotely.
    Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Equity cannot mean handing someone a license and wishing them luck in a billion-dollar industry.
    Sonya M. Harper, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But my hopefulness is tempered by the cascade of financial and logistical problems that preceded the recent closure.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The angst, the alienation, the sorrow, and, yes, the hopefulness that lies at the heart of many of these songs.
    Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But after being shunned by head coach Thomas Frank, his confidence looks low, a state of mind that wasn’t helped by putting his penalty over the bar in Wales’ World Cup play-off shootout defeat by Bosnia & Herzegovina in March.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The Magic will need to continue to play with a high level of confidence Wednesday night for Game 2.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • At the time of Jaxon’s death, the county was nearing the end of an 18-month corrective action plan aimed at improving oversight and safety within the system.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2026
  • This isn’t an argument against your plan, per se.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • For anyone who's been dreaming of a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-esque Greece getaway, Tarpon Springs is your stateside alternative that won't break the bank.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Banerjee, who was born in 1963, offered an effusive epilogue to the modernist exhibit, exploring dimensions, textures and scale that many of her artistic forebears could only dream of.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Cher’s filing urges the court to appoint a temporary conservator to take control of Allman’s trust, his sole source of income.
    Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The man could not establish the existence of a relationship of trust or a false representation or statement of fact without violating the free exercise clause of the First Amendment, the court said.
    Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Focus on one idea and carry it through.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Barnes and Imam had been trading ideas with a scholar named Andrew Willard Jones, whose work focussed on the model of Christendom found in, say, High Middle Ages France, where society was organized around its relationship with the Church.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The satchel design is great for everyday use and looks great with a casual outfit like Kendall Jenner and Jennifer Garner’s jean looks.
    Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The result looks a bit like the internet sensation the Crooked Man, who exercises his left trapezius and nothing else.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/hope. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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