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 For all its history and tradition, the Preakness was expected to have a different feel this year. —

Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 May 2026 More than 20,000 runners are expected to hit the pavement at Denver's City Park for the annual Colfax Marathon weekend, from seasoned athletes chasing personal records to first-time participants simply hoping to cross the finish line. —

Kennedy Cook, CBS News, 16 May 2026 It's expected the threeway split could cause the race to go to a runoff next month if no candidate wins an outright majority in Saturday's primary. —

Gaby Vinick, ABC News, 16 May 2026 Teddy Schwarzman’s Black Bear is also said to be interested, and offers from other companies are expected as Cannes hits its mid-point this weekend. —

Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expect

Verb

Fans at Easton Stadium anticipated another grand slam, holding up their cellphones hoping to catch some magic.

— Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
The titles that are less eagerly anticipated can wait another day.

— Adeel Hassan, New York Times, 18 May 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 20 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of expect

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