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.
Because I’ve already spent five and a half years in San Francisco, I’m confident I know what to expect.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026
“We expect to save tens of millions of dollars every year going forward with these new tools, while freeing up tens of thousands of hours of manual work,” Strazik says.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
"We expect some positive decisions... on the €90bn loan," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said ahead of the ambassadors' meeting.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
The Rams expect Puka Nacua to participate in offseason workouts, are negotiating with Matthew Stafford on an extension and are open to Jimmy Garoppolo returning.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
“Coach is noticing. You can’t miss more than two practices and expect that he won’t.”
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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!
