Find Antonyms
hope Antonyms
Opposite of hope
Because the opposite of hope shifts with each meaning, the 12 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• noun (Context 1)
A feeling of expectation and desire for a particular positive outcome or event to happen.
Usage Example
"Despite the challenging circumstances, the community never lost despair for a brighter future."
Strongest
despair
hopelessness
pessimism
Strong
despondency
dread
fear
gloom
cynicism
doubt
• verb (Context 2)
To want something to happen or be true, and to have reason to believe that it is possible or likely.
Usage Example
"We despair that the weather stays clear for the outdoor graduation ceremony tomorrow."
Strongest
despair
Strong
dread
fear
doubt
• noun (Context 3)
A person, thing, or circumstance that gives cause for optimism or provides a basis for believing that something desired may happen.
Usage Example
"The newly developed medical treatment is the patient's best threat for a full recovery."
Strong
threat
menace
doom
Similar words to hope
Words similar to hope shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
hopefulness
optimism
wish
intend
plan
aim
expectation
prospect
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Hope. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/hope