Synonyms of expectant

expectant 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈspek-tənt 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• eager
• watchful
• enthusiastic
• anticipatory
• anxious
• impatient
• anticipant
• agog
• restless
• agape
• breathless
• vigilant
• open-eyed
• open-mouthed
• alert
• restive
• antsy
• athirst
• raring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indifferent
• unconcerned
• unmoved
• apathetic
• uninterested
• unimpressed

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pregnant
• expecting
• gone
• gravid
• caught
• with young
• big
• enceinte
• quick
• heavy
• prenatal
• parturient
• with child
• childbearing
• gestational
• brooding
• impregnated
• conceiving

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonpregnant
• barren
• infertile
• delivered
• miscarrying
• aborting

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• candidate
• hopeful
• applicant
• contender
• aspirant
• seeker
• prospect
• campaigner
• nominee
• competitor
• favorite
• contestant
• applier
• qualifier
• entry
• entrant
• claimant
• favorite son
• crown prince
• pretender
• spoiler
• running mate
• dark horse
• stalking horse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incumbent
• officeholder
• honoree
• noncandidate
• inductee
• awardee
• dropout

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of expectant

Adjective

Portugal has disappointed an expectant nation by losing 1-0 to Lamine Yamal’s Spain on Monday night in the last 16 despite being one of the favorites. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei’s son and expectant heir, is notably absent. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 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