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

Wells Fargo expects the market volatility to continue through the first half of the year, but expects a moderate rebound through the second half. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025

This time around, fans can expect a career-spanning experience featuring hits from all 11 of his studio albums: Chris Brown, Exclusive, Graffiti, F.A.M.E., Fortune, X, Royalty, Heartbreak on a Full Moon, Indigo, Breezy, and his latest release, 11:11. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 7 Apr. 2025

However, inflation fell more than expected to 2.8 percent in February, according to the annual consumer price index (CPI). —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025

In cold language, most Americans weren’t expected to live long enough to collect anything at all, and those who did…not very much. —Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025