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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of expect Japan's fertility rate hit a low of 1.20 births expected per woman's lifetime last year, well below the replacement rate of 2.1. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025 This was the second-to-last Delta IV Heavy launch with the final one expected in 2024. —

Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2025 The epicenter of celebrations was rumbling in Times Square as over a million people are expected to cram into the heart of Manhattan to watch the ball drop Tuesday night. —

James Powel, USA TODAY, 1 Jan. 2025 Bill Salak, Brainly's Chief Technical Officer, expects 2025 to see the emergence of AI agents capable of executing complex tasks based on simple user instructions. —

Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expect