Synonyms of expect

expect

verb

ik-ˈspekt 

as in to anticipate

to believe in the future occurrence of (something)

we expect their arrival late this afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

• anticipate
• await
• hope (for)
• predict
• watch (for)
• look for
• look forward to
• foresee
• rely (on or upon)
• envision
• depend (on or upon)
• wait (for)
• view
• assume
• count (on or upon)
• presume
• envisage
• contemplate
• presuppose
• foretell
• bank on
• eye
• prophesy

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• question
• doubt

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

Recent Examples of expect

Song is expected to serve as a left-handed bat off the bench while in Mexico. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

Industry experts expect this trend to continue, with data centers becoming one of the major drivers of global energy demand in the coming years. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026

An autopsy is being done on the remains to determine the manner and cause of Limon’s death, and those results were expected Saturday, Maurer said Friday. —Holly Ramer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026

They are expected to be transferred to Utah, where prosecution will continue. —Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026