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.
It’s amusing that Altman would say of his new hires, “I don’t expect them to go any easier on us.”
From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026
Analysts and executives expect cargoes will be in short supply globally for the foreseeable future.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
Nor did they expect to ever cross paths again.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
“Fears of reduced spending, however, look unfounded. “Even if Trump doesn’t get his full $1.5 trillion, investors can expect defense spending growth for years to come,” wrote Morgan Stanley analyst Kristine Liwag on Monday.
From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026
“That’s not what I mean. It sounds like they expect that they should be the one to punish you. I don’t like that.”
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
