expect

verb

ik-ˈspekt How to pronounce expect (audio)
Definition of expectnext
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

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

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 Honda expects the TrailSport to account for about 20% of Passport sales. —Mark Phelan, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 The emails were sent outside of usual working hours, so an immediate response was not expected. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 Wells Fargo expects the market volatility to continue through the first half of the year, but expects a moderate rebound through the second half. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025 This time around, fans can expect a career-spanning experience featuring hits from all 11 of his studio albums: Chris Brown, Exclusive, Graffiti, F.A.M.E., Fortune, X, Royalty, Heartbreak on a Full Moon, Indigo, Breezy, and his latest release, 11:11. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expect

Browse Nearby Words

expats
expect
expectance
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Cite this Entry

“Expect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expect. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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