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.
Does that become a bigger challenge than you expect?
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Investors expect the ECB to raise borrowing costs at the same time after inflation picked up in May to its highest level since September 2023.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
For former France striker Louis Saha, the star showing from Olise was "what we expect from such a player" - and he has a big target in mind.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
A high P/E ratio means investors expect rapid future profit growth for the company, but it can also show that a stock is overvalued.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026
"I expect you might be willing to do me a favor and eat a cookie or two," she said to Sam.
From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry
Vocabulary lists containing expect
"Eleven"
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List 5
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Think
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