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

Any player joining for what could ultimately be a British record transfer fee can expect to have the team built around him — and the German playmaker is no exception. —Andy Jones, New York Times, 18 June 2025

Academy Award-winning director Christopher Nolan inspired a generation of filmmakers in the 21st century, but who would’ve expected his impact to reach a 20-year-old fashion student-turned-rapper? Explore Billboard See latest videos, charts and news Enter Molly Santana. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 18 June 2025

Its levels have risen since that low in 2022, but are expected to fall again to 1,041.06 feet as of May 2027. —Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025

The sun is expected to shine throughout Saturday and Sunday with highs in the low- to high-90s. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2025