expectant 1 of 2

Definition of expectantnext
1
as in eager
having or showing signs of eagerly awaiting something expectant crowds gathered at the spot where the President was scheduled to make an appearance

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2
as in pregnant
containing unborn young within the body a medication that should not be taken by expectant women without permission from their doctors

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expectant

2 of 2

noun

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 expectant
Adjective
All-Pro middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter placed one of his massive hands on the belly of his expectant wife and breathed a prayer. Mike Jones, New York Times, 19 June 2026 The expectant father, who shot a makeshift target that exploded into a blue cloud, igniting the surrounding brush, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of US Forest Service regulations and was ordered to pay restitution for the damages. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Noun
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 See All Example Sentences for expectant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectant
Adjective
  • Brown, though, is in the prime of his career and no doubt eager to prove the Celtics wrong for trading him after a decade in Boston.
    Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Up in arms about the way the government has been controlling the food supply, the common folk are eager to test their newfound democratic power.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • That's because of superfecundation, which means that one female cat can become pregnant by multiple male cats at the same time.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Balogun was born in New York only because his Nigerian mother, visiting from England, was seven months pregnant and denied boarding for the flight back to London.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Although researchers have not determined their origin, many consider Cheyava Falls one of the strongest potential biosignature candidates discovered on Mars.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 25 June 2026
  • The results in New York affirm that socialists are on the rise and likely will field a presidential candidate in 2028.
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Wildlife enthusiasts find a different rhythm through AmaWaterways’ Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises, one that trades itinerary sprinting for long, watchful hours on the water.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026
  • Cruz is alluring and watchful, while Norton turns out to be the film’s secret weapon.
    Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • For Johnathon, every ride is preparation for his first taste of US competition with nine other young Australian hopefuls, who are flying to Texas for the Youth Bull Riders World Finals this July.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • By the following day, 40,000 more hopefuls were on the queue, but were told the tickets had sold out.
    Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • But it's been on the court where Hargitay has proved to be one of Brunson's most enthusiastic supporters, frequently attending Knicks games at Madison Square Garden.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
  • Here’s help The Tartan Army took over Miami Scottish fans are enthusiastic, rambunctious, loud and — more than anything — organized.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The vast majority of the federal funds secured by LAHSA as a grant applicant goes toward permanent housing, agency officials said.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • The scammers then pretend to be members of those departments and email applicants demanding payments, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office said in a news release.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ultimately, anticipatory anxiety should be a catalyst for becoming more adaptable and intentional in developing valuable human qualities, regardless of technological advancements.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Now, researchers have discovered that this anticipatory activation is powered by pockets of glycogen in POMC neurons.
    Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expectant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectant. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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