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.
Analysts polled by FactSet expect companies to see a 22% surge in profits for the second quarter.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
Everyone wants to know what to expect from SpaceX stock when it begins trading—likely on Friday.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
“That’s not something you could expect of everyone, but, especially during nighttime hours, it would be a good idea to keep an eye on your animals.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
“A Screaming Life” isn’t a massive tome, but it still manages to dive deep when it matters, and also when you least expect it to.
From Salon • Jun. 9, 2026
“Lizzie, dear. I’m truly happy that you’re here. But I do expect you to return to your room upstairs.”
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Vocabulary lists containing expect
"Eleven"
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List 5
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Think
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