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 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 See All Example Sentences for expect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expect
Verb
  • Webb regularly shares videos of Kota's antics on social media, but this heartwarming video of Kota's reaction has certainly captured far more attention than anticipated.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Economists polled by FactSet had been anticipating a minor improvement in consumer sentiment from August.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Unfortunately, Samsung’s challenge is that while applying the fix is urgent, users must await their turn.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Now, a shower is installed but awaiting an organized signup system.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expect. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on expect

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