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 next

as in to anticipate

to believe in the future occurrence of (something) we expect their arrival late this afternoon

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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 Our clients expect – and deserve – world-class representation. —

Jem Aswad, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026 The style code for the Nike Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble SP Neon Paisley Bandana is IQ0620-100and it’s expected to be released in limited quantities from select retailers. —

Riley Jones, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026 The researchers expect the tool to be used in everyday architectural practice as a decision-support system for zero-energy buildings, helping designers make smarter choices that balance comfort with energy efficiency from the very start. —

Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026 Rain is expected thru today into tonight. —

Kendrick Calfee updated February 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expect

Verb

Indeed, so anticipated was Vonn’s race that the IOC rescheduled its daily media briefing with reporters to avoid conflicting with the women’s downhill.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 8 Feb. 2026
While anticipated, the cutbacks were deeper than expected, resulting in the shutdown of the Post’s renowned sports section, the elimination of its photography staff and sharp reductions in personnel responsible for coverage of metropolitan Washington and overseas.

— David Bauder, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026

Definition of anticipate

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expats

expect

expectance

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“Expect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expect. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of expect

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