expect
Usage
What are other ways to say expect?
The verb expect implies confidently believing, usually for good reasons, that an event will occur: to expect a visit from a friend. To anticipate is to look forward to an event and even to picture it: Do you anticipate trouble? Hope implies a wish that an event may take place and an expectation that it will: to hope for the best. Await (wait for) implies being alert and ready, whether for good or evil: to await news after a cyclone.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Just making sure that that does roughly what we expect. Obviously, the margin for error when it's wet is significantly smaller."
From BBC • May 2, 2026
"I think it's exactly what you'd expect. Andorra come to try and upset," he said.
From BBC • Sep. 8, 2025
“He’s been in big moments, he’s played in big moments throughout his career. Literally less than a year removed from the NBA finals, so he knows what to expect. He’s special with it.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2025
“Had Martha not gone to prison, she wouldn't have done the deal with Mark Burnett. She lost control, and the result wasn't what she or the audience came to expect. It just felt forced.”
From Salon • Oct. 31, 2024
“To Dofta Leila’s, I expect. He packed bags—” Her mouth dropped open, surprised by something private she wished she hadn’t seen.
From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez
Vocabulary lists containing expect
"Eleven"
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List 5
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Think
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