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 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

Later that same month, when the infant girl was brought to Shifa, hopes were high that the war would end quickly and the newborn's parents or relatives would show up looking for her. —

Abu Bakr Bashir, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024 This whole film was an exercise in believing that sometimes hopes can come true. —

Azazel Jacobs, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024

Noun

The hope is that the new data will help advertisers place their commercials across various media with more precision. —

Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024 The hope is that these batteries could be used in medical devices requiring long-term energy without recharging or replacement, such as ocular implants, hearing aids and pacemakers, as well as in spacecraft and satellites or remote sensors where maintenance is impractical. —

Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hope

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope

Verb

Zoë Kravitz is receiving birthday wishes from her dad!

Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024
Law firms that wish to flourish in this evolving environment should prioritize clarity, openness and personalization.

Adhip Ray, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024