expect

verb

ik-ˈspekt How to pronounce expect (audio)
Definition of expectnext
as in to anticipate
to believe in the future occurrence of (something) we expect their arrival late this afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Following this week’s cuts, more layoffs are expected at a later date, a source familiar with the plans said. —Brent Lang, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025 Etihad Airways’ new nonstop flight between Charlotte and Abu Dhabi is coming sooner than expected for passengers excited about going between the Queen City and the popular Middle Eastern city. —Chase Jordan october 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025 Those unfamiliar with Miss USA — and pageantry in general — may expect that the competition is catty, with contestants vying for the sash and sparkling title. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025 Hurricane Melissa is located 145 miles south-southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and is expected to turn north on Monday to make landfall on the island around sunrise on Tuesday. —ABC News, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expect
  1. anticipate
  2. await
Verb
  • The institute also launched a wastewater surveillance project, geared at monitoring and anticipating disease trends in communities.
    — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s an example from early on in their epic duel, as Carreras anticipates Ronald Araujo’s pass into Yamal, and is quick to close him down in frame one.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of anticipate
Verb
  • Disaster awaited 25-year-old right-hander Emmet Sheehan.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The filing is awaiting approval from a judge.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of await

Browse Nearby Words

expats
expect
expectance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expect. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on expect

Nglish: Translation of expect for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All