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 it's success wasn't just surprising to the city's bar staff, even Murray didn't expect the festival to expand the way it did.
From BBC • May 1, 2026
A bit of support for the currency could come in June, Matsuo said, when many economists expect the Bank of Japan to raise borrowing costs.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
Purkey noted that this expansion of warm water is consistent with what scientists expect in a warming world.
From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026
The low unemployment will help keep households afloat, but expect some belt-tightening to start taking place by May—especially if price pressures remain elevated.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
“Do you expect that he’ll ask? Will you come to an arrangement?”
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
Vocabulary lists containing expect
"Eleven"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
List 5
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
