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

The German brand still expects group sales in 2025 to end up somewhere between a fall of 2 percent and an increase of 2 percent, with the total between 4.2 billion euros and 4.4 billion euros. —Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025

However, expect Tennessee to shoot up the rankings when their new stadium opens for the 2027 season. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 5 Aug. 2025

In other news, the billboard thanking former Superintendent Marty Pollio was brought up at an July 29 board meeting, as expected, where board members voted to potentially revise an agreement governing how the MacKenzie Scott donation is used. —Krista Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Aug. 2025

Michigan's Lower Peninsula is expected to see potentially severe weather on July 24, with rain developing over the Upper Peninsula as well. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 25 July 2025