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

Antonioli built his conglomerate gradually, quietly and confidently, backed by expertise in retail and fashion honed for years.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
Children of various ages understand AI differently Young children are wired to trust information delivered confidently by adults.

— Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of confidently

Adverb

Experience cinema deeply and joyfully through noteworthy programming, including live music by renowned musicians, and in-depth conversations with world-class artists.

— Brent Lang, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026
On a wall nearby, a large framed photo captures the surf-loving Alex standing joyfully on a bluff high above the crashing waves, arms outstretched, his hair blowing in the breeze.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of joyfully

Adverb

When Oscar halfheartedly tries to throw a ball into one of the set’s prop cubes and improbably makes the shot, the whole set goes joyously nuts, with the performers leaping up to embrace him and cavort around him.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
Newcomer Jorge Mateo delivered the winning run with a liner to left, and the Rays joyously celebrated their third walk-off win.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of joyously

Adverb

Sherman is sitting across from Kerry Washington and Miley Cyrus, who bounce in their seats and gossip giddily with one another.

— Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of giddily

Adverb

His mid-20th century style reflects both the European zeitgeist and his own exuberantly analytic big-picture sensibility.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
At times, his psychological explanations may seem almost too orderly for a woman who lived so exuberantly in disorder.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of exuberantly

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“Expectantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectantly. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of expectantly

adverb

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