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

Miran is expected to be sworn in as a Fed governor with enough time to vote Wednesday on whether the Fed should cut rates. —Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 16 Sep. 2025

Some tingling is expected, but rest assured that aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E are there to keep your skin comfortable and hydrated. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

Tropical activity is expected to gradually ramp up over the next few weeks as conditions become more favorable for development, forecasters say. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2025

Features that were expected at the launch of the iPhone were delayed to the end of the year, some were delayed further, and many of them have still to be demonstrated in the wild, let alone arrive in public releases of iOS. —Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025