Synonyms for

Expect

Verb / ɪˈkspekt / Another word for expect — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to believe that something will happen or someone will arrive; to look forward to something

Synonyms & similar words

require gestate anticipate bear look wait await haveabunintheoven carry ask anticipate await predict presume suppose trust forecast foresee envision foretell prophesy reckon visualize conjecture estimate surmise project

Synonyms by register

Formal

anticipate presume assume suppose

Informal

figure reckon guess bet on

Literary

await foresee

Antonyms

doubt disbelieve distrust suspect fear apprehend

Common collocations

  • expect a baby
  • expect the worst
  • expect a lot
  • expect someone to do something
  • expect to win
  • expect a miracle
  • expect trouble
  • expect a call

Word family

noun expectation
verb expect
adjective expectant

Usage note

Often used with 'to' followed by an infinitive or a clause. Can imply a strong belief or a mere possibility depending on context.

Example sentences

  1. I expect a package to arrive today.
  2. She expects to graduate next year.
  3. He expects to win the game.
  4. We expect to have fun at the party.
  5. The teacher expects the students to do their homework.

Quotes

  • I live in a world of possibilities, not in a world of expectations. - Paulo Coelho
  • Expect nothing and appreciate everything. - Unknown
  • When you expect nothing from the world - not the light of the sun, the wet of water, nor the air to breathe - everything is a wonder and every moment a gift. - Michael J. Fox

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