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

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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
That feature allows expectant parents to include costly essentials on their registries without asking one person to cover the full price. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 22 July 2026 Like most expectant parents, Briana Faucette heard the typical warnings about sleepless nights. — Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 20 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
  • A couple of days before the Ann Demeulemeester show at Paris Fashion Week, eager models are standing in the foyer of the brand’s studio in the Marais, waiting patiently with their picture in hand.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
  • But why are these other streamers so eager to get in the creator business?
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of eager
Adjective
  • The criminal complaint states Israel was between 17 and 18 weeks pregnant.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • There is not enough evidence on the effects of ingesting large amounts or highly concentrated clove formulations, especially for people who are pregnant or nursing.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of pregnant
Noun
  • Their loss has become the Chiefs’ gain, as Walker, for now, looks like a possible MVP candidate in Kansas City.
    — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Sanders, who spoke alongside el Sayed in Grand Rapids, said Trump’s attacks on the Democratic candidate were rooted in Islamophobia because Republicans have little to say about the issues affecting working families.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of candidate
Adjective
  • Under the watchful direction of director Brenda Porter, who is also the artistic director for Impact Theater, the cast is fine-tuning the drama.
    — La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Eufy Indoor Security Camera Deal Keep a watchful eye on your pets and living space with the dual-lens Eufy S350 4K Indoor Security Camera.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of watchful
Noun
  • The Senate hopeful is looking to Obama in shoring up support for the traditionally Democratic demographic and broaden el Sayed’s coalition 10 days out from the midterm elections.
    — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The party recently named New Mexico as one of the earliest states for its next presidential primary, bolstering its prominence in national politics and ensuring more visits from White House hopefuls.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of hopeful
Adjective
  • But footage obtained by OutKick portrayed a different story, including a handshake with an enthusiastic Bengals head coach Zac Taylor.
    — Ryan Morik , Preston Mizell OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Wall Street has been enthusiastic about the separation, which is designed to unlock the value of each group of assets and is likely to generate M&A interest.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Noun
  • For next year’s admissions, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria and explain rejections when applicants request reasons.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Edmond and fellow applicant Jessica Thibodeaux attended the meeting, and each addressed the council to discuss their background and interest in civic service.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of applicant
Adjective
  • Despite the evidence, less than 1% of aid is invested in anticipatory action.
    — David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Young is making quick decisions and firing a lot of anticipatory balls before his receivers are even out of their cuts.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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