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
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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
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of expectant
Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Doulas advise and assist expectant parents on everything from pregnancy aches and pains to the birth itself.
—Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Dec. 2025
Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025
In the end, this expectant father learned a valuable — and slightly embarrassing — lesson: sometimes, the best thing to say during a poignant moment is nothing at all.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectant
Adjective
The webinar is designed to help families and caregivers understand the risks of lead exposure and learn practical steps to protect young children and expectant parents, the release said.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Doulas advise and assist expectant parents on everything from pregnancy aches and pains to the birth itself.
—Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
In an emergency appeal, the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to let the policy go into effect for everyone other than the specific expectant parents named in the lawsuits or, at most, any member of the immigrant rights groups or residents of a state that challenged the policy.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 June 2025
In the end, this expectant father learned a valuable — and slightly embarrassing — lesson: sometimes, the best thing to say during a poignant moment is nothing at all.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectant
Adjective
-
The firefighters shrugged him off and seemed eager to finish the assignment.—
Alene Tchekmedyian,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Pembroke Pines Commissioners Tom Good and Mike Hernandez won reelection Tuesday despite a challenge from rivals eager to represent Broward County’s second most populous city.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Momtazi left Iran with his wife, Flora, who was eight months pregnant at the time with their oldest daughter, in 1982.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
8 Mar. 2026
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One in six struggle to get pregnant or stay pregnant, according to analysis by infertility associations, and many cannot afford treatments due to high out-of-pocket costs.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Even with concerns about the party’s approach, the race features viable top-tier candidates with distinct profiles and accomplishments, including several with national profiles and substantial fundraising capacity.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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Independent candidate Seth Bodnar entered the race on Wednesday; Democrats will have to decide whether to back him.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Be watchful of ponding on roadways.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
5 Mar. 2026
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The next day, the chefs headed out for an elimination challenge at La Belle Helene, where several watchful Charlotteans had spotted film crews last fall.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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More than 300 hopefuls all stretched, leaped, and lifted during the open tryouts inside Merritt Clubs Downtown Athletic Club— hoping to make the cut.—
Janay Reece,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
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That's offered a rare chance for the party to draw a new crop of candidates — all told, nearly 60 hopefuls are vying for the six seats — and for the winners to help shape the next Democratic caucus.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The line between enthusiastic support and invasive behavior can be thin, and Liu’s account suggests it got crossed.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Mar. 2026
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These free, family-friendly gatherings showcase classic and custom vehicles, offering visitors a window into American automotive culture and a chance to chat with enthusiastic local collectors.—
Taylor Haught,
Miami Herald,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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For the positions that do get applicants, school leaders often say less than half of their candidates have the proper qualifications.—
Mark Batinick,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
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But since 79% of applicants are already in private school, the extent of the impact on public school funding may be limited.—
Lacey Beasley,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Room counts are low, anticipatory service is high, and above all else, each is set in a remarkable location and designed in a way that highlights its surroundings.—
Jake Emen,
Robb Report,
22 Jan. 2026
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One aspect of the case that Keating finds curious is the Rose Bowl’s claim of anticipatory breach given that UCLA has not played a home game anywhere else for more than four decades.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Expectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectant. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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