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Definition of expectant

expectant

/ɪkˈspɛk.tənt/
ex · pec · tant
Adverb:expectantly
•
Plural:expectants
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expectant Lexical Profile

expectant Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having or showing an excited feeling that something good is about to happen.

Example

"A hush fell over the expectant crowd as the orchestra prepared to begin."

2

Pregnant, or awaiting the birth of a child (used of a mother, father, or couple).

Example

"The hospital offers free prenatal classes for expectant parents every Saturday."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person who waits in anticipation of an event, benefit, inheritance, or official post.

Example

"The young clerk remained an expectant for the senior treasury position for several years."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for expectant

• Nearby Words

expectable
expectably
expectancy
expectant
expectantly
expectation
expectedly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late Middle English period from Old French or directly from Latin 'exspectantem', the present participle of 'exspectare' ('to await, look out for'), formed from 'ex-' ('thoroughly') and 'spectare' ('to look').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Expectant. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/expectant
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