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

Parts of the panhandle are now under a hurricane watch or tropical storm watch, and up to 5 feet of storm surge is expected to lash the coast. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Two powerful House committees with jurisdiction over health care policies are expected to get several fresh faces after the midterms. — John Wilkerson, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026

In all, nearly 480 workers can expect payouts -- some 300 still working on the site, another 100 elsewhere in Italy and the rest in their home countries. — Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

Unfortunately, the visit doesn’t go as smoothly as Calvin expects. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026