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hope

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verb

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

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
Noun
But that hope was soon dashed when Honda successfully appealed the ruling. Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025 Europe’s Stoxx 600 Banks index just posted its best first half of the year since 1997, on the back of earnings outperformance in the first quarter and hopes of deal-making in the sector. Matt Ward-Perkins, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Verb
Ultimately, Williams hopes readers come away from Martyr Loser King with more than aesthetic awe. Okla Jones, Essence, 14 July 2025 Buc-ee’s is hoping to open its 24/7 store and fueling plaza in early 2027 and is expected to employ between 175 and 225 full-time workers. Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hope
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hope
Noun
  • Every decision from what’s in scope to what can be eliminated should support the core objective: enabling employee compliance teams to act with minimum friction and maximum confidence, even with the constant uncertainty of regulatory change.
    Kelvin Dickenson, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • And all this comes amid mounting pressure on the chancellor to shore up confidence in her strategy, after a series of U-turns on cuts to welfare and winter fuel payments.
    Ritika Gupta, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Chris Bailey announced an effort to create his department's new strategic plan in April.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • Paige and Tim were originally supposed to get married in May 2020 — a plan that was derailed by COIVD-19, like so many others' nuptials.
    Jen Juneau, People.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Those wishing to provide monetary support to Heinz's parents, Shane and Amber, can do so through either Venmo or PayPal ([email protected]).
    Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
  • Alexander Isak wishing to leave Newcastle United is one thing; working out who could afford to buy him is quite another.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Duran gained the family’s trust and was percieved by the girls’ mother to be a good influence.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
  • Watts claims a lack of trust and support from the board led to his departure, three years before his contract's end.
    Annie Goldman, The Enquirer, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • What does the heat index chart look like? To get an idea of how air temperatures and humidity levels produce apparent temperatures, here is the NWS' heat index chart.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Send ideas and tips to [email protected].
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • But the tobacco industry could only have dreamed of having the immense power of the federal government.
    David Michaels, The Atlantic, 20 July 2025
  • Derek is a bright and curious kid who dreams of becoming a scientist one day.
    The Star, Kansas City Star, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • Critics say displaying those details may encourage some observing the festival to boycott shops owned by those of another faith – an attack on the secularism enshrined in the constitution.
    Aishwarya S. Iyer, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
  • Even in the aftermath of a loss where everything that could go wrong did, several prominent Twins said the series demonstrated their best days are still ahead, with Lewis re-emerging as a threat being central to their faith.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • In addition to being easier to use, steamers can serve a dual purpose; the steam acts as a natural deodorizer, eliminating not only wrinkles but also odor-causing bacteria.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2025
  • Legally, the Department of Defense can make military bases available to any federal, state or local law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes, according to the National Immigration Law Center.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hope. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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