expectant 1 of 2

adjective

ik-ˈspek-tənt How to pronounce expectant (audio)
Definition of expectantnext
1
as in eager
having or showing signs of eagerly awaiting something expectant crowds gathered at the spot where the President was scheduled to make an appearance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pregnant
containing unborn young within the body a medication that should not be taken by expectant women without permission from their doctors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

expectant

2 of 2

noun

as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award divinity students who were all expectants for a curacy

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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 expectant
Adjective
Like most expectant parents, Briana Faucette heard the typical warnings about sleepless nights. — Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 20 July 2026 Laura’s husband lay on the bed as the rival stood next to it, expectant. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Noun
But for the design-minded expectants, choosing items for the registry can feel like a compromise between function and aesthetics. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2026 In another post, the expectant mom shared some behind-the-scenes footage from her maternity shoot. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expectant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectant
  1. eager
  2. pregnant
  3. candidate
  4. watchful
  5. hopeful
  6. enthusiastic
  7. applicant
  8. anticipatory
Adjective
  • Netflix has worked assiduously to burnish its reputation as a home for advertisers seeking to align themselves with its popular programs and eager to avoid the traditional model of deploying typical 30-second commercials.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Thanks to hundreds of millions of dollars invested into their respective football teams by eager boosters, both SMU and Texas Tech have jumped ahead of everyone else in this state for the best view of UT and A&M’s backsides.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of eager
Adjective
  • One week after finding out Meredith was pregnant, Johnny died.
    — Julie Mazziotta, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In cases that are considered to be too severe — such as when a pregnant woman at the center began experiencing labor pains — those individuals are airlifted to a nearby hospital.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of pregnant
Noun
  • Two healthy scratches may come from this group — Alexander and Jamison-Travis would be candidates as the roster stands now.
    — Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Linney’s Guardian tries to draw out some resentment from her new candidate, but John expresses (or feigns) sympathy for Hal, who was betrayed by his father figure Sinestro, an experience John likens to his own complicated upbringing.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of candidate
Adjective
  • In most cases, Nathan explains, that patient lands in watchful waiting, repeating CT scans every six to 12 months, sometimes for years.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Spotting a pair of smart glasses can require tech-savvy security staff, and enforcement may depend on users voluntarily disclosing their devices—or on watchful observers speaking up.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of watchful
Noun
  • Both Democratic and Republican hopefuls have spoken out against the facilities during their campaigns.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Studios are increasingly nervous about launching awards hopefuls at festivals.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of hopeful
Adjective
  • Bell, however, couldn’t be more enthusiastic for the opportunity.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The other clock hiding inside it The TC001 has attracted an enthusiastic home-automation following because it can be used with AWTRIX, an open-source firmware and ecosystem designed around small LED matrix displays.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Noun
  • Andrew Brown, Park Forest’s assistant director of economic development and planning, notes that any applicant had to fall in the 60% income bracket of the six-county area of Chicago.
    — Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The bill requires applicants to provide local permits to Cal Fire.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of applicant
Adjective
  • That mantra has become the anticipatory soundtrack to Crow-Armstrong’s greatest moments as a Cub.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Why shouldn’t the anticipatory pleasure of lines contribute to the experience?
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of anticipatory

Browse Nearby Words

expectancy
expectant
expectantly
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Cite this Entry

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

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