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

Many at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground were closely following the saga and were delighted at the prospect of Rodri’s arrival because of the influence he was expected to have on the dressing room and on the pitch. — Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

There are virtually no restaurants worth leaving the resort for, so expect to spend most of your time (and lots of money) in Nihi’s ultra-comfortable bubble. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Aug. 2026

When Meloni came into office as the leader of a political party with post-fascist roots, she had been expected to be antagonistic toward Europe and extreme in her views on foreign policy. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Summary Apple's iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be announced on Wednesday, September 9th, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026