EXPECT Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'expect' contrast with its synonyms?

The words hope and look are common synonyms of expect . While all three words mean "to await some occurrence or outcome," expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning. // expects to be finished by Tuesday

Q: When would 'hope' be a good substitute for 'expect'?

The meanings of hope and expect largely overlap; however, hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen. // hopes to find a job soon

Q: When is it sensible to use 'look' instead of 'expect'?

The words look and expect can be used in similar contexts, but look , with to , implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness. // looks to a tidy profit from the sale // look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast

expect

verb

ik-ˈspekt

Definition of expect

as in to anticipate

to believe in the future occurrence of (something) we expect their arrival late this afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb expect contrast with its synonyms?

The words hope and look are common synonyms of expect. While all three words mean "to await some occurrence or outcome," expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning.

expects to be finished by Tuesday

When would hope be a good substitute for expect?

The meanings of hope and expect largely overlap; however, hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen.

hopes to find a job soon

When is it sensible to use look instead of expect?

The words look and expect can be used in similar contexts, but look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled; with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness.

looks to a tidy profit from the sale

look for rain when the wind shifts to the northeast

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 expect As expected, television employment continues to suffer more greatly than feature film writing, where jobs are only down about 14% since 2022 to 2,007 members recording earnings last year. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026 All three players are expected to be parts of the Yankees’ future, too. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 Four of the storms are expected to become hurricanes, with one becoming Category 3 or higher, the report shows. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 The project is expected to be completed in about 13 months, according to the contract. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expect

Verb

Council members anticipate hearing evidence from an independent investigator and other witnesses, said council member LaKeisha Gantt.

— Reed Williams, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026
They were handed over to the authorities by security forces in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara state, on Friday for medical attention and routine checks, and were anticipating their return home to reunite with their families.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of anticipate

Verb

These and many other TV shows and movies await your viewing pleasure this weekend, and this list has them all.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting the official autopsy and have been awaiting toxicology tests to come back, Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd said.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of await

Browse Nearby Words

expats

expect

expectance

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“Expect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expect. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of expect

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