EXPECTED Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

expected 1 of 2

adjective

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

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expected

2 of 2

verb

past tense of expect

as in anticipated

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

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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

The expected rollout comes amid new attention on federal oversight of autonomous vehicles and how first responders navigate around them during emergencies. — Steve Large, CBS News, 29 July 2026 Time and Water, from National Geographic Documentary Films, is an expected Oscar contender this year. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 July 2026 Retirement benefits are becoming an expected part of the employee experience, even at smaller companies. — Laci Buzzelli, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 An expected heat wave could make fighting wildfires in France and Spain more difficult in the next few days. — Mark Carlson, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 An expected lockout could drag into 2027, further limiting the Padres’ opportunities to compete with their expensive veterans. — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 23 July 2026 In all, a solid spec sheet that delivers the expected yearly upgrades. — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026 As an expected Finance Committee vote on the sale was canceled Monday, Conway again highlighted the financial link. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026 Scenes depicting Charles building the family’s new home, a robbery and even an expected pregnancy illustrate all of this. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 July 2026

Verb

Arraez gives Philly an elite contact hitter Arraez comes to the Phillies from the San Francisco Giants, and he’ll be expected to create RBI opportunities for sluggers Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. — David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026 Koll said the government's role would largely be to backstop projects, with around 90% of the financing expected to come from the private sector. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 The threat from heat is expected to grow significantly as the climate warms. — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Calmer winds and lower temperatures arrived to help firefighters, but it was expected to be hot and dry again by midweek. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 Although temperatures will fluctuate in the coming days, there is no widespread or lasting break from the heat in sight, with highs well into the 30s Celsius (86-104 F) expected across much of Japan. — Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 That number is expected to rise dramatically in the coming years, further impeding scientific discovery. — Chris Young july 28, Refractor, 28 July 2026 The Rookie will soon enter its ninth season, with new episodes expected to premiere in early 2027. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 Cal Quantrill is expected to be the starting pitcher for the Rangers. — Cal Phillips updated July 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expected

Adjective

Double Starbucks Stars on eligible purchases made on the same day as a scheduled Delta flight.

— Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Brook Smith, 13, was first in line when seating opened for spectators three hours before the scheduled opening-game start.

— James Raia, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of scheduled

Verb

Cancelo is anticipated to sign a two-year deal, offering valuable experience and versatility, particularly at right-back, a position Hansi Flick intends for him.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
If the labor market is softer than anticipated, that could give central bankers more cover to look through price shocks from the Iran war.

— Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of anticipated

Verb

Rosie Lee Hooks, director of WTACC, told the Los Angeles Times that the project had been long awaited, and was sought out to counter decades of disinvestment following the 1965 Watts uprising.

— News Desk, Artforum, 30 July 2026
As night fell Tuesday, rescue operations remained on hold because of continuing aftershocks as families awaited word on the employees still believed to be inside.

— Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of awaited

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expectations

expected

expectedly

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“Expected.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expected. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of expected

adjective

verb

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