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

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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
Wait to plant it a week or two after the last expected frost date in your area to ensure warmer soil and a healthy plant. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026 The expected demand boom brings up questions about generation priorities. Kelsey Brown, San Antonio Express-News, 9 Mar. 2026 His expected average, if not top-shelf, is second-shelf. Jake Ciely, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026 The expected roster move saves the Chiefs $20 million against the cap while leaving $7 million in dead money. Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026 So far, the youngest Bay Staters are still far behind expected reading benchmarks. State House News Service, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026 The winner of the primary will either ride an expected Democratic tailwind into office or become the first Wisconsin Democrat in 36 years to lose a race for governor with a Republican in the White House. Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 27 Feb. 2026 The hotter-than-expected reading could persuade the Federal Reserve to hold off on rate cuts, experts noted. CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026 City officials are encouraging residents to get verified before an expected rush this weekend that could slow down the process. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
The next administration is expected to inherit daunting challenges. Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026 With a total investment of $520 million, the fully operational station is expected to generate 792 million kWh of electricity annually, that is enough to power around 600,000 households. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026 January’s stronger-than-expected total was likely buoyed by some one-time factors (notably, weaker holiday hiring that meant fewer post-holiday layoffs, and unseasonably warm weather in the early part of the month that boosted industries like construction). Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026 Jayson Tatum is also expected to make his season debut for Boston after missing nearly 10 months with a right Achilles tear. Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026 That operation is expected to be touted at the Americas Counter Cartel Conference in Doral. Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026 Construction, which involves tearing down two, 1980s-era office buildings to make room for hundreds of apartments, is expected to start this spring. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 Tehran is expected to deliver a new proposal on nuclear enrichment in Geneva as the United States continues to amass military forces in the Middle East. Karen Deyoung, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2026 And then you're expected to just do it real quick, not slow anything down. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expected
Adjective
  • At Houston's Hobby Airport, 53% of officers called out on March 8, with 47% calling out the following day – resulting in nearly half of scheduled officers not reporting to work during the two-day stretch.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Silky moms tend to favor hospital births and are more open to formula feeding and scheduled vaccinations.
    Jana Pollack, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • It’s anticipated to run 24/7 in four car sets, two minutes apart during peak hours, and accommodate 200 passengers.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Scott’s return proved to be highly anticipated at her best radio format.
    Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Just as mortgage rates fell below 6% at the end of February — a drop homebuyers awaited for four years — the war in Iran has pushed them back up again.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Dinner awaited at the Twine Loft.
    Gina DeCaprio Vercesi, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expected. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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