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

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 In college sports, eligibility rules reinforce the idea that athletes are full-time, degree-seeking students who, like their classmates, are generally expected to finish college after four or five years. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 Oct. 2026 Five of the six were arrested Wednesday morning and were expected to appear in federal court later in the day. — Michael Casey, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Morgan Stanley expects several stocks reporting earnings in the coming weeks to make significant moves following their quarterly releases. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Most economists expect an increase in the bank's main rate to 4%. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expect

Verb

Eventually, an edict from the top came that existing attorneys should not anticipate additions to the court teams, according to one source.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
That signal can be aggregated, correlated, and exploited by hostile foreign intelligence services to anticipate our movements, targets, and timing.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of anticipate

Verb

As Ten’s lovelorn prison pen pal Lillian, an immobile shut-in, Peggy Fields Richardson initially appears to be a punchline, but goes on to deliver a nuanced turn as a woman who’s long awaited her chance at romance.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Silverio is currently awaiting extradition to Nevada County, where he will be charged with multiple felonies, including stalking, animal cruelty, and vandalism.

— Coleman Petit, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of await

Browse Nearby Words

expats

expect

expectance

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“Expect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expect. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of expect

verb

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