More formal:
* Expecting: implies a stronger belief that something will happen.
* Anticipating: similar to expecting, but often with a sense of eagerness.
* Trusting: emphasizes faith in a positive outcome.
* Praying: indicates a strong desire for something to happen, often with a religious connotation.
* Wishing: a less strong form of hoping, often with a sense of longing.
More informal:
* Wanting: a simple expression of desire.
* Looking forward to: implies anticipation and excitement.
* Praying for: a more casual way of expressing hope.
* Crossing fingers: a colloquial expression for wishing for something to happen.
* Keeping my fingers crossed: similar to crossing fingers, but often used for a specific event or outcome.
Words with specific connotations:
* Yearning: a strong, often painful desire for something.
* Longing: a deep, persistent desire for something.
* Desiring: a more formal word for wanting.
* Aspiring: implies a strong desire to achieve something.
* Dreamt: suggests a desire for something that may be unrealistic.
The best synonym for "hoping" will depend on the specific context and the desired meaning.