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.
But don’t expect him to sit still for long.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026
“I didn’t expect them to be so overly aggressive. I really showed up there expecting conversation, making them come to their senses.”
From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026
Now you can expect it to create a billion-dollar business fixing the software flaws discovered by Mythos.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026
Analysts expect revenue to fall to $12.4 billion from $12.7 billion a year ago, with adjusted earnings falling to 1 cent a share from 13 cents.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
“Edda, if I didn’t know better, I’d almost wager that you didn’t expect your mother and me to be home.”
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
Vocabulary lists containing expect
"Eleven"
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List 5
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