expect

verb

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ex·pect | \ ik-ˈspekt

expected; expecting; expects

Definition of expect

transitive verb

1a : to consider probable or certain expect to be forgiven expect that things will improve

b : to consider reasonable, due, or necessary expected hard work from the students

c : to consider bound in duty or obligated they expect you to pay your bills

2 : to anticipate or look forward to the coming or occurrence of we expect them any minute now expected a telephone call

3 : suppose, think

4 archaic : await

intransitive verb

1 : to be pregnant : await the birth of one's child —used in progressive tenses she's expecting next month

2 : to look forward

3 archaic : wait, stay

Other Words from expect Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing expect Learn More About expect

Other Words from expect

expectable \ ik-ˈspek-tə-bəl

\ adjective

expectably \ ik-ˈspek-tə-blē

\ adverb

expectedly adverb

expectedness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for expect

expect, hope, look 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 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 look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled looks to a tidy profit from the sale ; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness. look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast

Examples of expect in a Sentence

As expected, the election was very close. It's expected that the new products will be available next month. Prices are expected to rise. He's opposed to the new law, as you might expect. Good things sometimes happen when you least expect them. I'm expecting a phone call. The expected delivery date is next month. He's a teacher who expects hard work from his students. We expected more from you. This is not the kind of behavior I expected of you. See More

Recent Examples on the Web Thanks to their advanced analytics investments, companies with the most AI maturity can expect to see substantial improvements within their organizations. — Jerry Levine, Forbes, 10 Aug. 2022 As more Alabama schools prepare to bulk up mental health supports this year, parents can expect one more task to add to their back-to-school list: counseling permission slips. — al, 9 Aug. 2022 American bombers can expect greater tanker support over the course of a long-range mission, allowing designers to prioritize payload over fuel. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 8 Aug. 2022 According to FOX Weather, most locations can expect one to three inches of rain over the coming days, but higher amounts upwards of three to five inches are possible. — Julia Musto, Fox News, 6 Aug. 2022 Skokie residents can expect a slight increase to their water and garbage fees in the coming weeks and months. — Elena Ferrarin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2022 Viewers can expect a six-episode series hosted by Taylor that asks some of your favorite celebrities what their take is on dating topics. — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 5 Aug. 2022 Prices vary; customers can generally expect to spend upwards of $75 per piece. — Amaris Encinas, The Arizona Republic, 5 Aug. 2022 The program is free, but students can expect to pay state fees to license their business. — oregonlive, 4 Aug. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'expect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Learn More About expect

Dictionary Entries Near expect

expdn

expect

expectance

Statistics for expect

Last Updated

13 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“Expect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expect. Accessed 15 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for expect

expect

verb

ex·pect | \ ik-ˈspekt

expected; expecting

Kids Definition of expect

1 : to think that something probably will be or happen They expect rain. Close up the motorcycle looked even better than he expected.— Beverly Cleary, The Mouse and the Motorcycle

2 : to await the arrival of We're expecting guests.

3 : to consider to be obliged I expect you to pay your debts.

4 : to consider reasonable, due, or necessary I expect your attention.

expect

intransitive verb

ex·pect | \ ik-ˈspekt