expectant 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈspek-tənt How to pronounce expectant (audio)
Definition of expectantnext
1
as in eager
having or showing signs of eagerly awaiting something expectant crowds gathered at the spot where the President was scheduled to make an appearance

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pregnant
containing unborn young within the body a medication that should not be taken by expectant women without permission from their doctors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

expectant

2 of 2

noun

as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award divinity students who were all expectants for a curacy

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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 expectant
Adjective
Like most expectant parents, Briana Faucette heard the typical warnings about sleepless nights. — Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 20 July 2026 Laura’s husband lay on the bed as the rival stood next to it, expectant. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Noun
But for the design-minded expectants, choosing items for the registry can feel like a compromise between function and aesthetics. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2026 In another post, the expectant mom shared some behind-the-scenes footage from her maternity shoot. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expectant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectant
  1. eager
  2. pregnant
  3. candidate
  4. watchful
  5. hopeful
  6. enthusiastic
  7. applicant
  8. anticipatory
Adjective
  • Penguin Random House, largest seller of books, and most eager to sell them best, testified in court that the sales of only 4 percent of its books effectively subsidized the rest.
    — M. C. Mah, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The race has already inflamed tensions within the Democratic Party over how to energize liberal voters eager for unapologetic, combative candidates while not alienating independents and moderates who have been key to winning in battlegrounds.
    — Matt Brown, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of eager
Adjective
  • Letting mental health conditions go untreated is a risk to both the pregnant parent and the baby, Diaz Stransky said.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Children and pregnant women are paying the price for climate breakdown with their health.
    — Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of pregnant
Noun
  • But that's part of Christina Bohannan's long learning curve as a Democratic candidate for Congress.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Offensive lineman Austen Pleasants, who appears to be the latest candidate in the battle to start at left guard, was also absent after suffering a leg injury in Thursday’s game.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of candidate
Adjective
  • Haunted Mansion props on the parade floats will include the conservatory casket, cryptic gravestones, gargoyle candleholders, watchful busts, haunted armor and stretching room portraits.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The footage offers a peek into Kio’s surroundings, including zebra and giraffe neighbors who tower over the cub, and smaller animals who keep a watchful eye on the growing big cat.
    — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of watchful
Noun
  • Other hopefuls need these points to make the Tour Championship cut next weekend.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Barajas, the spokesman for Hilton’s campaign, said the Republican hopeful has agreed to each and every invitation.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of hopeful
Adjective
  • But another group of residents has been enthusiastic about Amazon and the park, saying the city has to do something to revitalize itself.
    — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The service The team are friendly, enthusiastic, and genuinely warm, made even more memorable by their vibrant, patterned uniforms that bring extra character to the experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Noun
  • Despite the ongoing war with Iran, recruiters interviewed said the conflict has rarely surfaced in conversations with applicants.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The government requires applicants to spend at least two weeks in Portugal for the first two years of their residency visa.
    — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of applicant
Adjective
  • That mantra has become the anticipatory soundtrack to Crow-Armstrong’s greatest moments as a Cub.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Why shouldn’t the anticipatory pleasure of lines contribute to the experience?
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of anticipatory

Browse Nearby Words

expectancy
expectant
expectantly
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Cite this Entry

“Expectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectant. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of expectant for Spanish Speakers

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