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

Emanuel, on June 5, took the bicycle lane around New Hampshire as part of a three-day tour of the early voting state, making the longtime Democratic official one of the earliest to openly talk up a prospective 2028 White House bid in what’s expected to be a crowded 2028 presidential primary field. —Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2026

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a deal was expected to be finalized within 24 hours. —ABC News, 13 June 2026

Now, after 24 years in the wilderness, a new generation is looking to write its own chapter, of which Vinícius Júnior is expected to be the lead author. —Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 13 June 2026

The tournament is expected to bring more than 3 million visitors to Dallas-Fort Worth, culminating in a semifinal at AT&T Stadium on July 14 — one of the biggest sporting events in North Texas history. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026