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

The police department, posting on the social media site X, had urged travelers to avoid the area Saturday morning due to a police investigation and to expect delays and heavy traffic. —Julie Walker, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026

The Yankees had initially expected their supply to last through the team's six-game homestand against the Miami Marlins and the Athletics, according to reports. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026

Orion still needs some fine-tuning As would be expected, this test flight turned up several issues that need to be addressed — including the unserious and the potentially detrimental. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026

The main-stage festivities at Coachella 2026 ended earlier than expected Friday night. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026