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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of expect Last Sunday, the Kansas City Royals third baseman expected his name to be called as a potential American League All-Star reserve. Kansas City Star, 12 July 2025 Resendiz was expected to muster, or check in for duty, at 7:30 a.m. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 12 July 2025 Moore was expected to face 35 years in federal prison. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025 Anticipating a strong showing during the quarter, Walmart now expects second quarter revenues to be at the high-end or even exceed its previous 3.5% to 4.5% growth guidance. Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for expect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expect
Verb
  • The company anticipates cleanup efforts to wrap up at the end of August, but the target may be adjusted as needed to ensure safety.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • Over the past two years, multinational enterprises have been anticipating the need for strategic rebalancing of production locations, with Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Central America the main beneficiaries, according to the report.
    Courtney Fingar, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • These provisions are still awaiting final legislative approval.
    Luciano Duque, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • Russell is awaiting Mercedes' final decision for their 2026 driver lineup.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Expect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expect. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expect

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