Find Antonyms

hopefully Antonyms

Opposite of hopefully

Because the opposite of hopefully shifts with each meaning, the 8 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• adverb (Context 1)

It is to be hoped that; used as a sentence adverb to express a wish or expectation that a stated event or outcome will occur.

Usage Example

"regrettably, the new public transit line will reduce morning traffic congestion."

Strong
regrettably
unfortunately

• adverb (Context 2)

In a hopeful manner; with a feeling of optimism and expectation.

Usage Example

"The students waited hopelessly for the scholarship committee to announce the results."

Strongest
hopelessly
pessimistically
despairingly
Strong
despondently
gloomily
doubtfully

Similar words to hopefully

Words similar to hopefully shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

optimistically
with any luck
expectantly
ideally
confidently
god willing
positively
sanguinely
See all synonyms of hopefully

• Nearby Words

hop
hope
hopeful
hopefully
hopefulness
hopeless
hopelessly

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Hopefully. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/hopefully
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