EXPECTANTS Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

expectants

noun

plural of expectant

as in candidates

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

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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 expectants 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectants

Noun

That’s thanks to two Democratic incumbents running more strongly than expected in more conservative districts, but also to candidates like Garcia, who’s running neck-and-neck against his GOP rival.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Their Students' List of candidates includes various experts in their fields with little or no experience in politics or state jobs.

— JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of candidates

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
Apparently desperate to expand its pool of applicants, the FBI is now actually considering individuals who have documented histories of animal abuse and bestiality.

— Diana Urban, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of applicants

Noun

And the way the French election works is that there’s a first round for the Presidential contenders and then the two front-runners go forward.

— Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Among the contenders was the 38-year-old New Zealander then best known for the miniseries Reilly, Ace of Spies and Omen III — and still seven years away from Jurassic Park.

— Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of contenders

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expectantly

expectants

expectation

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“Expectants.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectants. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of expectants

noun

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