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.
“We would expect them to just come down based on unemployment data looking very positive,” he says.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
For the next month, expect to hear the chants of the neighborhood’s large and varied Latin American communities fill the air.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
They say they "would expect to be informed" on these matters so they could "assess risk" and ensure measures were in place to protect their staff, contractors and the public.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
Once seated, expect a steady stream of pão de queijo, fried bananas and tableside-carved meats delivered by roaming gaúchos.
From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026
Surely she couldn’t expect us to travel to the Swiss Hotel, so far from London, amid war?
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
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!
Think
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
