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.
Residents in the area north of Porterville, many of them farmworkers, have been discussing a solution, which they expect will require running pipes to connect to the nearby city system.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
But he now doesn’t expect to see the positive results of Hill’s turnaround plan, involving repairing relationships with wholesale partners and launching more sport-focused products, until the following year.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
The company said it doesn’t expect to book any significant cost from the termination of the study, and that its guidance for 2026 remains unchanged.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
Everyone heading into the arena is limited to one bag, no bigger than A4 in size, and people should expect security searches.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
“Detective Webster said I need to be ready for another nighttime ramble. This time, Penelope, I expect you to stay put upstairs and observe from the safety of this room.”
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
![]()
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!