Another Word for Hope: 12 Synonyms with Examples
To hope is to want something to happen and think it might. Alternatives range from confident expectation to a faint wish.
As a verb: want and expect
- wish
- expect
- trust
- aspire
- aim
- look forward to
- anticipate
As a noun: a wish or expectation
- wish
- aspiration
- ambition
- dream
- expectation
- optimism
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- wish
- Wants something that may be unlikely.
- expect
- Thinks something will probably happen.
- trust
- Formal; hopes with confidence.
- aspire
- Hopes to achieve something ambitious.
- aspiration
- A strong hope or aim, often about a career or life.
- optimism
- A general hopeful attitude about the future.
Example sentences
- wish: I wish the summer holidays were longer.
- expect: We expect the results by Friday.
- trust: I trust you had a pleasant journey.
- aspire: Many of the players aspire to play professionally.
- aspiration: Her aspiration is to open a bakery of her own.
- optimism: There is cautious optimism about the new treatment.
Opposite of hope
- despair
- doubt
- fear
- hopelessness
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “hope”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: desire
noun: promise
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “hope”?
The most useful alternatives are “wish”, “expect”, “trust”, “aspire”, “aim”. For the main sense (want and expect), “wish” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “wish” and “expect”?
wish: Wants something that may be unlikely. expect: Thinks something will probably happen.
What is the opposite of “hope”?
Common antonyms are “despair”, “doubt”, “fear”, “hopelessness”.