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 With Luis Aviles released, the family says it is focused on reuniting and preparing for Joshua’s expected return home as the USS Lincoln’s extended deployment nears its end. — Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 The service Service is warm but minimal, just as expected at a smaller inn like this. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026 Roughly 43 people were expected to be laid off because of that closure, according to the notice. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The heat index could reach up to 108 degrees by the afternoon; DFW's high is expected to reach 100 degrees. — Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expect

Verb

The arch will disturb the sightline between more landmarks than anticipated, the report said.

— Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Reliable, independent government reporting is an important part of the information infrastructure businesses use to understand labor supply, anticipate change and make workforce decisions.

— Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of anticipate

Verb

All Social Security recipients will receive their regular check in September, as many await news of the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment announcement.

— Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Saturday’s matchup seems likely, as his fitness level was quite good after not training for a few weeks while awaiting finalization of his transfer and visa.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of await

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expats

expect

expectance

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“Expect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expect. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of expect

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