EXPECTANTLY Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

expectantly

adverb

Definition of expectantly

as in confidently

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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 expectantly Miami-Dade’s Saturday rain showers could not damper the spirit and energy of dozens of Haitians, Haitian Americans and soccer fans crowded together waving flags, beaming expectantly at North Miami’s Moca Plaza to meet players on the Haitian National Football Team. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 30 May 2026 Now the cows are waiting expectantly outside the milking parlor, where Archie is clattering about to set up the milking machine. — Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026 The anniversary celebration was capped by a performance from Paul McCartney, another flourish in a production designed to project confidence in the path forward as Wall Street waits expectantly for Apple's AI comeback. — Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2026 The children waited expectantly. — Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026 Gilberg considered the question, hands clasped beneath his chin, the traffic outside humming expectantly. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026 Inside, guests are greeted by the cozy tavern, a cocktail of rustic Adirondack style and modern trappings—the tables adorned in their nightly best, expectantly awaiting patrons. — Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026 Now Ronny looked up at her expectantly. — Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025 In the clip, Blakely can be seen looking off camera expectantly, evidently aware something is happening. — Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectantly

Adverb

In some markets, decisions were made quickly and confidently.

— Jorge Couto, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Putin and his Kremlin oligarchs have confidently anticipated a crumbling of Western assistance for Ukraine.

— Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Definition of confidently

Adverb

At the same time, the flotsam also contributes positively to the knowledge of the ocean system’s function, thereby presenting possibilities for its salvation.

— Alexander Klose, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
Eight people in total were found inside, including six children believed to be between the ages of 5 and 15, according to Sparks, who said not all have been positively identified yet.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 24 July 2026

Definition of positively

Adverb

Ron Seman was known as the master of the Indiana Dunes trails, spending years joyfully guiding thousands of people on journeys through its natural wonders.

— Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Uruguay, for their part, joyfully celebrated becoming the second team, after Italy, to win the World Cup twice.

— Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Definition of joyfully

Adverb

But those scenes of coming together joyously around this team, this diverse team, this remarkable team from all points, [Folarin] Balogun himself a birthright citizen leading this.

— Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
At the same time, the episode still leaves space for slower beats, including some joyously non-essential downtime moments.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Definition of joyously

Adverb

There was the viral pleasure and even pride in seeing foreigners encounter Buc-ee’s with reverential appreciation or giddily experience industrial quantities of Mountain Dew Baja Blast at Taco Bell.

— Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Early in the second inning Wednesday afternoon, Nasim Nuñez smiled, hopping giddily.

— Noah White, Washington Post, 1 July 2026

Definition of giddily

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“Expectantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectantly. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of expectantly

adverb

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