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

Poland is scheduled to host a major event on Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction next week, which Zelenskyy is expected to attend. —ABC News, 20 June 2026

But don’t expect any new programming in the immediate future. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 20 June 2026

While the subsidized rates are expected to be locked in for the first two years, the five-year agreement includes options to extend, with future annual rent increases for tenants projected to be capped at the lesser of 3% or the rate of inflation. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 20 June 2026

What hit me was how quickly the conversation centered around control and how little time was spent discussing who was expected to absorb the consequences. —Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026