Definitions:

1. Describes an action or attitude characterized by wishful thinking or a hopeful desire for something to be true or happen, even when there is little or no evidence to support it. ADVERB
   • The child stared wishfully at the toys in the store window, imagining what it would be like to play with them.
2. In a way that imagines or discusses what you wish or hope for, especially when this is very unlikely to happen. ADVERB
   • She looked at the lottery ticket wishfully, hoping that it held the winning numbers.
3. In a wishful manner. ADVERB
   • They wishfully indulged in dreams of fame.
4. Often used to indicate that someone is thinking or acting in a way that reflects their wishes or desires rather than objective reality. ADVERB
   • He spoke wishfully about his plans for the future, despite knowing they were unlikely to come to fruition.

Synonyms:

• anxiously
• desirably
• dreamily
• eagerly
• expectantly
• hopefully
• longingly
• yearningly