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

Total weight is expected to be reduced to around that of an equivalent petrol sports car while maintaining a battery range of at least more than 560 km (350 miles). — New Atlas, 15 July 2026

Deadline recently reported that several cast members are receiving pay raises heading into season 3, which is expected to begin filming in Fort Worth in late August. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

One of those lots, lot 7 on the developer’s map of the site, is expected to host a medical facility. — Noah Daly july 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 July 2026

Still, as expected with a big IT project, migrating virtualization platforms still presents challenges. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026