EXPECT Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

expect

verb

ik-ˈspekt

Definition of expect next

as in to anticipate

to believe in the future occurrence of (something) we expect their arrival late this afternoon

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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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of expect Production is expected to begin in early 2025 in Paris, where Jolie notably shot her upcoming Netflix film Maria, which debuts on the streamer Dec. 11. —

Tommy McArdle, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 Part two of the memoir is expected to be published next year. —

Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024 He is expected to participate in a panel discussion after the Camerimage premiere, along with Bianca Cline, the cinematographer who completed the film, and Stephen Lighthill, who mentored Hutchins at AFI. —

Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024 The film starts with these women playing into the ideas of what our family expects of us, and the performance that is going home and being with siblings. —

Rachel Handler, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expect