expect

verb

(ambitransitive) To predict or believe that something will happen

To consider obligatory or required.

To consider reasonably due.

(continuous aspect only, of a woman or couple) To be pregnant, to consider a baby due.

(obsolete, transitive) To wait for; to await.

(obsolete, intransitive) To wait; to stay.

Roots

speciospect- · Latin · look, watch

Synonyms for expect

anticipatev awaitv requirev foreseev predictv assumev wantv daresayadj presumev envisionv believev thinkv supposev lookv foreknowv envisagev reckonv

Synonyms & related words for expect

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of expect — including anticipate, await, require, foresee, predict, assume. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to expect

Explore words related to expect — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include wait, hoped, ask, hoping, expectation, foreseer, anticipant, anticipative. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for expect

Common synonyms for expect include anticipate, await, require, foresee, predict, assume, want, daresay — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does expect come from?

The word expect breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root spect-, from Latin specio (“look, watch”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.