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

Congestion is expected in Iceland and Spain, maximum totality will last just over two minutes — a shorter time than is possible — and clear skies are not guaranteed. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026

Cloud and Stevens are expected to become available this month — and potentially on this trip — but Carrington is still recovering from a significant injury suffered during last season’s playoffs. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026

Five years after the pandemic, enrollment still hasn’t bounced back the way many expected. —Tina Dello Russo, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026

The former Duke of York is also expected to give evidence in the trial, which is set for July 29 at the Westminster Magistrates' Court. —Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026