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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  • Scavullo was dead, however, and nobody seemed eager to help her.
    — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
  • There will always be meaningful stories to tell, people compelled to tell them, and audiences eager to experience them.
    — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of eager
Adjective
  • The free meals program aims to combat malnutrition and reduce childhood stunting by providing meals to nearly 90 million students, toddlers and pregnant women.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Babies are born recognizing the language the pregnant woman spoke.
    — Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of pregnant
Noun
  • If the week 1 drubbing at LSU was a harbinger of doom for Dabo Swinney at Clemson, what does his stock as a coaching candidate look like?
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The Republican National Committee announced on Saturday the full list of keynote speakers who will stump for Republican candidates at the midterm elections convention next week.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of candidate
Adjective
  • Along the way, Michael develops an unlikely friendship with Kacey (Lauren Patel), while navigating the demands of his boss Gordon (Crook) and the watchful eyes of nosy neighbours Bev (Sophie Willan) and Clive (Jon Pointing).
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
  • South of Valencia along the Costa Blanca is Alicante, a walkable port city and an outdoor lover’s paradise with parks, gardens, and historic plazas unfold beneath the watchful eye of a 9th-century castle.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of watchful
Noun
  • Brighton were most people’s picks for dark-horse hopefuls this season, particularly after reaching their first major final under former head coach Dario Vidosic in his second season in charge.
    — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Telluride’s 53rd edition offers an unusually eclectic lineup, with tributes to Sandra Hüller, John Malkovich and Andrew Haigh and a strong mix of awards hopefuls and less obvious choices.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of hopeful
Adjective
  • Democrats are especially enthusiastic about Iowa, which hasn’t elected a Democratic governor in 20 years.
    — Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • However, not all critics were enthusiastic about the film itself.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Noun
  • Ganiyu received about $671,438 from citizenship applicants through Zelle and Cash App, along with $287,830 in cash deposits that prosecutors say were meant to conceal the money’s source, according to court documents, the New York Post reported.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The lawsuit argues that Lyft needs as many drivers as possible to increase profits and failed to adequately screen applicants.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of applicant
Adjective
  • Using data, intelligent analytics and empathetic evaluations, anticipatory insights can make or break your performance metrics.
    — Marcy Klipfel, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • But building anticipatory buzz is one thing; paying it off is another.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of anticipatory

Browse Nearby Words

expectancy
expectant
expectantly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectant. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of shofar

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
funny guinea pig in glasses reading a book
Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise
See All