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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 The weather service added that cooler temperatures under 32 degrees can still be expected up until Friday, May 1. —

McClatchy, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026 There is also a Moderate Risk of rip currents expected. —

Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026 SpaceX has confidentiality filed for an IPO expected later this year sources told Bloomberg on Wednesday. —

The Los Angeles Times, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026 Both sides are silent right now, but a release from the WGA and the AMPTP is expected soon(ish). —

Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expect

Verb

The analyst is confident about Diamondback's ability to deliver better-than-anticipated performance in periods of strong commodity prices, supported by the company's low-cost structure and lower capital intensity than peers.

— TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
As Spring springs into Summer, Hollywood hotly anticipates its biggest season when schools are closed and every day can be a See a Movie in a Theater day.

— Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of expect

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