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

That’s what guests can expect at Six Senses Laamu on the remote Laamu Atoll in the southern Maldives. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026

The demonstrations are expected to go on all day Saturday, March 28, including in several towns in the Kansas City area. —Chandler Boese, Kansas City Star, 28 Mar. 2026

Before leaving her home in Florida, Stem and the other retreat participants had individual and group video calls with facilitators about what was bringing them to the retreat and what to expect. —Natalia V. Osipova, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026

Organizers are expecting millions to show up to the protests across the country, The Associated Press reported. —Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026