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

Instead, by attacking defenders more, the Cyclones hope Voit will see more efficient plays open up. —

Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025 Dynamics with state legislators A couple of council members hope to focus on their relationships with the state's legislative body, though in very different ways. —

Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 1 Jan. 2025

Noun

With the Sydney defeat ending India's World Test Championship hopes, India should shrug aside sentimentality, even to Kohli who has almost transcended cricket due to his sheer fame and influence, and start afresh before the next cycle begins with a tough five-match away series against England. —

Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 Biden's decision capped a furious final burst of bargaining that saw Takahiro Mori, Nippon Steel's vice chairman, make multiple visits to Washington, D.C., and Pittsburgh in hopes of securing support for the takeover. —

Jeff Stein and David J. Lynch The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for hope

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope

Verb

Students who wish to pursue STEM at the highest level should begin strategizing now in order to make the most of the summer months for their college applications.

Christopher Rim, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Best wishes for a happy, healthy and well-deserved retirement.

Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 14 Jan. 2025