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

An extreme cold warning is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026

The lowest visibilities are expected to be over the western and southern Piedmont and Sandhills, where visibilities could drop to one quarter mile or less at times. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026

Barry Keoghan is also expected to appear once more as the Joker. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026

But that’s expected to change rapidly, as the category’s sales increase more than 15 percent yearly. —Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026