Synonyms for

Expecting

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

Definition

Expecting means to believe or think that something will happen or someone will arrive.

Synonyms & similar words

require gestate anticipate bear look wait await haveabunintheoven expect carry ask anticipating awaiting hoping predicting projecting prophesying awaiting surmising suspecting visualizing forecasting envisioning foreseeing foretelling imagining predicting presuming assuming estimating calculating

Synonyms by register

Formal

anticipate foresee presume suppose

Informal

figure reckon bet guess

Literary

await look for

Antonyms

disappointed unprepared surprised unaware unforeseen unexpected

Common collocations

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

Word family

noun expectation
verb expect
adjective expectant
adverb expectantly

Usage note

Often used to indicate pregnancy, but can also mean to anticipate or believe something will happen. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.

Example sentences

  1. I am expecting a baby sister next month.
  2. The students are expecting a field trip next week.
  3. We are expecting a big snowstorm this weekend.
  4. She is expecting a call from her friend.
  5. He is expecting a promotion at work.

Quotes

  • Expecting is the greatest impediment to living. In anticipation of tomorrow, it loses today.
  • Expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting a bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian.
  • I stopped expecting things to get better. Some people don't. They have hope, and it's a wonderful thing. But I think it's overrated.

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