Word Explorer

Hopeful

/ˈhəʊpfəl/

Someone who is hoping for success or victory, especially as a candidate in a political election.

📖 Definitions of "Hopeful"

noun
  1. 1

    Someone who is hoping for success or victory, especially as a candidate in a political election.

    "Several presidential hopefuls are campaigning in New Hampshire this week."

adjective
  1. 1

    Feeling hope

    "I am hopeful that I will recover from the disease."

  2. 2

    Inspiring hope

🔄 Synonyms of "Hopeful"

10 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

WordDefinition
auspiciousOf good omen; indicating future success.
aspirantnounSomeone who aspires (for high office, etc.)
fortunateHappening by good luck or favorable chance.
expectantnounMarked by expectation.
anticipantnounOne who anticipates.
rosynoun(figuratively) Optimistic.
anticipativeOf or pertaining to anticipation; inclined to anticipate; expectant.
wishfulExpressing a wish or longing for something.
wannabenoun(informal, derogatory, often attributive) Someone who wishes to be someone or do something, but lacks the qualifications or talent; an overeager amateur; an aspirant.
wannabeenounAlternative form of wannabe. [(informal, derogatory, often attributive) Someone who wishes to be someone or do something, but lacks the qualifications or talent; an overeager amateur; an aspirant.]

↔️ Antonyms of "Hopeful"

Words with the opposite meaning.

WordDefinition
hopelessWithout hope; despairing; not expecting anything positive.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Hopeful"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

WordDefinition
wishfulExpressing a wish or longing for something.
fortunateHappening by good luck or favorable chance.
auspiciousOf good omen; indicating future success.
aspiringHoping to become.
aspirantSeeking advancement.
would-beAttempting or desiring something.
wannabenoun(informal, derogatory, often attributive) Someone who wishes to be someone or do something, but lacks the qualifications or talent; an overeager amateur; an aspirant.
expectantMarked by expectation.
anticipativeOf or pertaining to anticipation; inclined to anticipate; expectant.
anticipantExpectant.
wannabeenounAlternative form of wannabe. [(informal, derogatory, often attributive) Someone who wishes to be someone or do something, but lacks the qualifications or talent; an overeager amateur; an aspirant.]
rosy(figuratively) Optimistic.
optimisticExpecting the best in all possible ways.
optimismnouna tendency to expect the best, or at least, a favourable outcome
hopenounTo want (something) to happen, with a sense of expectation that it might [with that (+ clause); or (informal) with clause; or with so or (negative) not].
confidentVery sure of something; positive.
positiveIncluded, present, characterized by affirmation.
hearteningCheerfully encouraging.
encouragingGiving courage, confidence or hope; auspicious.
propitiousFavorable; advantageous.

Words Strongly Associated with "Hopeful"

These words statistically appear in the same text as "hopeful" (Google Books Ngrams).

📝 Common Phrases with "Hopeful"

Words that come before

Words that come after

🌐 Broader and Narrower Concepts

More Specific (hyponyms)

Translate “Hopeful” into Another Language

Pick a language — the word will be pre-filled in the translator.

🔗 Explore Related Words