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 Trump administration’s message follows in that tradition, while also preparing for what’s expected to be a high-profile semiquincentennial year. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Residents of Phoenix are expected to have their first 100-degree high any day now. —Naveena Sadasivam, Wired News, 19 Apr. 2025

Analysts expected 455 companies in the S & P 500 to post positive earnings growth in 2025, according to LSEG, while only 357 companies in the broad-market index posted year-over-year earnings growth last year. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2025

The Ukrainian president is also expecting updates on any front-line fighting from his commander in chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, later tonight. —Zach Lachance, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2025