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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of expectant
Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
The expectant couple, along with several children and loved ones, walked with anticipation into the grass at the edge of the El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa, California – where wild grasses turn golden in the fall, making a scenic backdrop – to reveal their baby’s gender.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Michael D. Snediker, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 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
On his Instagram Stories, Cole posted a picture of the expectant parents, simply adding three red heart emojis.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
The expectant couple, along with several children and loved ones, walked with anticipation into the grass at the edge of the El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa, California – where wild grasses turn golden in the fall, making a scenic backdrop – to reveal their baby’s gender.
—Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Noun
Meniscus augur & hour of errors as the mercury rag spills its rings
from his last good pore, his teeth shaped in greenhouse suet or little
expectant pots of orchid balm in snow.
—Michael D. Snediker, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 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
-
Now, the 49‑year‑old turns his attention to an NBA roster headlined by Flagg and a Mavericks team eager to return to championship contention.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
-
Some ships, eager to get out of harm’s the war’s way, may have their vessels towed tug their boats out of the strait before they’re cleaned.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
Adjective
-
While most recover, some — particularly young babies, pregnant people and those with weak immune systems — are at higher risk of developing dangerous complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness or even death.—
Devi Shastri,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
-
While most recover, some — including young babies, pregnant people and those with weak immune systems — are at higher risk of developing dangerous complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness or even dying.—
Devi Shastri,
Fortune,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
None of the Senate candidates surpassed the 50% threshold required to win, and Ossoff and Warnock headed to a January 2021 runoff against their Republican opponents.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
Burnham was promptly selected as Labour’s candidate, making Thursday’s by-election perhaps the most consequential in British history.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
17 June 2026
Adjective
-
For generations, neighborhoods had park programs, church leagues, YMCAs, summer jobs, youth clubs and local hangouts where teenagers could spend time under the watchful eyes of caring adults.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
-
Their watchful eyes and swift response can make all the difference in a water emergency.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
The Senate hopeful courted Texas Democrats with his anti-billionaire bent.—
Andrew Balaban,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
-
Non-mandatory audition prep classes are taught by current and former cheerleaders and are said to help hopefuls come audition time.—
Emily Krauser,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
Siskel panned it, but Ebert gave it an enthusiastic thumbs-up.—
Linnea Wicklund,
Chicago Tribune,
19 June 2026
-
His soft opening events have brought in enthusiastic batters and sports fans.—
Jenna Thompson
June 18,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Unfortunately, car companies’ financing incentives are subject to the same restrictions with regard to an applicant’s credit rating, with only those having the best scores able to obtain the lowest rates.—
Jim Gorzelany,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
-
Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate.—
Jasmin Suknanan,
CNBC,
23 June 2026
Adjective
-
The raucous crowd buzzed, performing an anticipatory wave before Andrade saluted the judges.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
-
Now, researchers have discovered that this anticipatory activation is powered by pockets of glycogen in POMC neurons.—
Isabella Backman,
Hartford Courant,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Expectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectant. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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