Synonyms of expect

expect

verb

ik-ˈspekt 

as in to anticipate

to believe in the future occurrence of (something)

we expect their arrival late this afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

• anticipate
• await
• hope (for)
• predict
• watch (for)
• look for
• look forward to
• foresee
• rely (on or upon)
• envision
• depend (on or upon)
• wait (for)
• view
• assume
• count (on or upon)
• presume
• envisage
• contemplate
• presuppose
• foretell
• bank on
• eye
• prophesy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• question
• doubt

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb expect contrast with its synonyms?

The words hope and look are common synonyms of expect. While all three words mean "to await some occurrence or outcome," expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning.

expects to be finished by Tuesday

When would hope be a good substitute for expect?

The meanings of hope and expect largely overlap; however, hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen.

hopes to find a job soon

When is it sensible to use look instead of expect?

The words look and expect can be used in similar contexts, but look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness.

looks to a tidy profit from the sale

look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of expect

Law enforcement sources tell us no protests are expected today. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025

Loops Lab, which is based in Israel, is already selling the toy in Israel, and expects to be selling them online in this country by the fourth quarter of this year. —Joan Verdon, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

That is separate from the bargaining unit contracts that are expected to expire as of June 30 of this year. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025

During the Jubilee year of 2025, when some 30 million Catholic pilgrims are expected to flock to the Eternal City in search of spiritual forgiveness, the ecclesiastical abundance will be compounded by crowds. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025