hopefuls

noun

plural of hopeful
as in candidates
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award the three mayoral hopefuls are going to debate on local TV

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 hopefuls At the same time, Venice remains one of the fall’s key launchpads for prestige movies, awards hopefuls and international titles looking to build momentum with distributors and buyers. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026 There will always be a spotlight for the Hollywood contingent and the awards hopefuls posing on boats and docks in designer duds. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 Both Democratic and Republican hopefuls have spoken out against the facilities during their campaigns. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 To stand out among the more than 3,000 hopefuls, Minetree recreated Elle’s unforgettable admissions tape—sparkly pink bikini and all. — Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026 That’s at least 1,184 football players and NFL hopefuls up for grabs. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 Other hopefuls need these points to make the Tour Championship cut next weekend. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Though the picture is mixed for the congressional hopefuls, general sentiments toward democratic socialist candidates and ideas may be warming. — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 The union has endorsed 15 board hopefuls in the upcoming November election. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopefuls
  1. candidates
  2. contenders
  3. applicants
Noun
  • If Woltemade leaves then Wissa, Joe Willock, who is set to stay, and Jacob Ramsey are the obvious candidates to compete to play there.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • During a meeting last week, officials held drawings to determine the order that candidates' names will appear on the ballot.
    — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of candidates
Noun
  • Here’s a closer look at the remaining meetings between division contenders.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The schedule ahead will brings more challenges; the Dragons face championship contenders North Crowley and Allen before District 4-6A play.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of contenders
Noun
  • To get in, applicants submit to exhaustive financial reviews, provide references, and sit for interviews.
    — Bridget Read, Curbed, 1 Sep. 2026
  • It is estimated that some 1,200 applicants were interviewed after the project was announced in 2023.
    — Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of applicants

Browse Nearby Words

hopefulness
hopefuls
hopeless
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Cite this Entry

“Hopefuls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopefuls. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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