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

There is a dry patch over central parts of North Carolina, which may lower the accumulation in Raleigh, but eastern parts of the state are still expected to see at least 6 to 12 inches of snow by Sunday morning. —Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 31 Jan. 2026

All of those players, including Coco Gauff but possibly not Madison Keys, are expected to be competing at the sharp end of the remaining majors this year. —Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026

As Chinese media reports, according to an informed source, the first models to take part will include vehicles from Changan Oshan, with passenger models from GAC and JAC expected to join the program in the next phase. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026

Parts of South Georgia, where snow is not expected, will barely make it above freezing. —Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 31 Jan. 2026