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

Phase 1 is expected to break ground next year, Snyder said. —James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025

Comey said prosecutors expect to take another four weeks, with the defense needing a week to present their case. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2025

Some 1,000 troops from both sides are expected to be swapped, with the process set to continue into Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. —David Brennan, ABC News, 25 May 2025

However, political insiders on both sides agree that party infighting is a liability in a critical battleground state where Republicans enjoy a registration advantage of about 300,000 voters, Trump won decisively in November, and Hobbs is expected to face a much tougher challenger than in 2022. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 May 2025