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

Imax expects to deliver a record $1.2 billion in global box office in 2025. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025

Shoppers are expected to spend about $858 per family on clothes, school supplies and electronics this year, down 2% from last year, according to the NRF. —Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 24 July 2025

At the San Francisco tidal gauge high tide is expected to be 0.92 feet above normal (6.76 ft MLLW) at 11:40 p.m. Thursday. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2025

And the facility is expected to get more crowded — eventually having capacity for about 3,000 detainees. —Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2025