expected 1 of 2

Definition of expectednext
as in scheduled
being in accordance with the prescribed, normal, or logical course of events the children did their chores, but not without the expected whining

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

expected

2 of 2

verb

past tense of expect

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 expected
Adjective
Rooms are furnished comfortably in the expected Southwestern decor, but avoid overdoing it thanks to restrained, contemporary hands. Asonta Benetti, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026 That gap between strategy and readiness plays into expected outcomes. Jennifer Belissent, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Begin planting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Kerry Michaels, The Spruce, 21 Jan. 2026 Instead, the double feature has been saddled with less than expected revenues, from a downtrend in consumer spending decreasing Measure A outflow, deep cuts in state and federal funds, and higher housing costs, forcing reductions in services amounting to close to a quarter million dollars a year. Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 17 Jan. 2026 Wind is expected to be a non-factor and there is no expected precipitation in the area. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 16 Jan. 2026 And the expected 6,000-person attendance for Stars games would be more akin to Northwestern basketball games at the adjacent Welsh-Ryan Arena. Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026 The expected hearing in February will take place against the backdrop of Skubal’s uncertain future in Detroit. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026 If the labor market is improving and the Supreme Court delivers the expected tariff refunds, the Fed would have almost no justification for adding further stimulus to the economy via a new round of cheaper money. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
Shares of chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) on Wednesday sank 17% and had their worst day since 2017 after the company forecast slightly less revenue in the first quarter than analysts had expected. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026 Bass, who was politically weakened by her performance during the fire and its aftermath, was already facing more than two dozen challengers looking to oust her in the June 2 primary — the vast majority little known to the public and not expected to pose any threat. David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026 The debut model is expected to offer a driving range of about 248 miles (400 kilometres) on China’s standard test cycle, according to reports. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026 It is expected to connect Azerbaijan and its autonomous Nakhchivan exclave, which are separated by a 20-mile-wide patch of Armenian territory. Michelle L. Price The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 6 Feb. 2026 The unit recorded higher losses than expected last quarter after Washington issued a stop-work order for projects including Vineyard Wind 1, located off Martha’s Vineyard. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026 Members of a similar program set up for the 2024 Olympics are also expected to help promote the newest members of Team USA and the upcoming Olympiad. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2026 The collection is expected to be worth more than $6 million, with items ranging from $30,000 to over $1 million. Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026 March quarter revenue is expected to increase 13% to 16% versus the year-ago period, a stronger forecast relative to estimates of about 10%. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expected
Adjective
  • Justin Bieber returned to the stage Sunday as a scheduled performer, in addition to Bruno Mars, Rosé, Tyler, the Creator, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Clipse and Pharrell Williams.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • Location data reportedly revealed that his phone was three blocks from the debate location less than half an hour before its scheduled start.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Last year, Cabarrus County Schools faced an approximately $11 million deficit, which district leaders attributed to higher-than-expected expenses, enrollment growth and lower-than-anticipated revenue.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Returnees were carrying more than anticipated with them, requiring additional negotiations, a person familiar with the situation told the AP, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the diplomatic matter.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Superb clam pie awaited us, with freshly shucked bivalves, tons of garlic, and a touch of parsley and chile flakes.
    Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Feb. 2026
  • By the time Montgomery woke up Sunday, a string of one-star Google reviews awaited Red Bench Pizza — oddly, seemingly generated by a single user.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expected. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on expected

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!