HOPE Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

hope 1 of 2

verb

Definition of hope next

as in to wish

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

hope

2 of 2

noun

as in hopefulness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in confidence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples of hope in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Scientists hope a new telescope will have the potential to see deeper into the solar system. —

Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024 In the House, Republicans will seek to expand on their seven-seat majority, while Democrats hope to reverse their narrow loss of the chamber in 2022. —

The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024

Noun

While this method hasn’t led to sufficient suppression of mosquito populations, the study authors expressed hope that their gene editing strategy might help increase its effectiveness. —

Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 Election seasons often evoke a mix of emotions, ranging from hope for the future to intense worry over what may come. —

Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hope

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope

Verb

Any president would wish for that kind of coverage going into an election; the Democrats are hoping Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden’s successor, can take it and run with it.

Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
Recommendations Executives who wish to harness the power of quantum computing sooner should consider the following: 1.

Yuval Boger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024