15 Other Ways to Say “Looking Forward” (With Examples)

Anticipation is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others, but repeating the same phrase, like “looking forward,” can sometimes dilute the impact of your message. Finding other ways to say “looking forward” allows you to express excitement more effectively, tailor your tone to suit the situation, and leave a lasting impression.

Whether you’re writing a formal email or a heartfelt message, a thoughtful choice of words can make your communication feel more authentic and engaging. Explore these 15 creative alternatives to bring variety and sincerity to your conversations.

What Does “Look Forward” Mean?

“Looking forward” is a phrase commonly used to express anticipation or eagerness about a future event or interaction. It conveys a positive expectation and enthusiasm towards something that is about to happen or is planned. Understanding the meaning of “look forward” helps in choosing the most appropriate alternative phrases to convey your excitement and anticipation in various contexts, whether personal or professional.

What Can I Say Instead of “Looking Forward”?

Expressing anticipation can be done in numerous ways beyond the standard “looking forward.” Here are 15 alternative phrases, each with an explanation of its significance and context for use, along with examples to illustrate their application:

  1. Anticipate
  2. Hope
  3. Expect
  4. Await
  5. Wait for
  6. Count on
  7. Look for
  8. Awaiting
  9. Confident
  10. View
  11. Enthusiastic
  12. Have faith
  13. Prophesying
  14. Eager
  15. Trust

1. “Anticipate”

“Anticipate” is a proactive word suggesting you’re preparing for something exciting or important with a sense of readiness and expectation. It’s stronger than just “looking forward,” implying you’re mentally gearing up for what’s coming, often used when you’re excited but also a bit serious about it. This choice fits situations where you’re planning or expecting a specific event with interest and focus.

  • Example 1: Suppose your cousin is launching a small bakery next month, and you’re excited to see her succeed after months of prep. You could say: “I anticipate your grand opening—those cupcakes are calling my name!” Picture you texting her, imagining the smell of fresh pastries.
  • Example 2: Imagine your boss just scheduled a team trip to celebrate a big win, and you’re thrilled for the break. You might say: “I anticipate the retreat—time to unwind by the lake!” Picture you at your desk, smiling at the calendar.

2. “Hope”

“Hope” is a gentle, optimistic word showing you’re wishing for something good to happen, with a touch of warmth and uncertainty. Unlike “looking forward,” it’s less certain but carries a heartfelt tone, making it great for personal or supportive messages where you want to show care. It’s versatile for casual or emotional contexts.

  • Example 1: Suppose your friend is interviewing for their dream job tomorrow, and you want to cheer them on. You could say: “I hope it goes amazingly—knock their socks off!” Picture you calling them, hearing their nervous excitement.
  • Example 2: Imagine your sister is moving to a new city soon, and you’re rooting for her fresh start. You might say: “I hope you love it there—new adventures await!” Picture you helping her pack, chatting over boxes.

3. “Expect”

“Expect” is a confident, straightforward word meaning you believe something will happen, often with a sense of certainty or assumption. It’s firmer than “looking forward,” suggesting you’re pretty sure about the outcome, fitting professional or formal settings where you’re stating a prediction.

  • Example 1: Suppose your coworker promised to finish a report by Friday, and you’re counting on it for a meeting. You could say: “I expect it’ll be ready—great work as always!” Picture you emailing them, prepping your slides.
  • Example 2: Imagine your kid’s school is hosting a play next week, and you’re sure they’ll shine. You might say: “I expect a stellar show—can’t wait to cheer!” Picture you at home, marking the date.

4. “Await”

“Await” is a formal, patient word implying you’re waiting for something with a calm, eager vibe, often used for big or special events. It’s a bit more polished than “looking forward,” showing quiet excitement, perfect for written notes or when you want to sound respectful.

  • Example 1: Suppose your friend’s wedding is next month, and you’re thrilled for the big day. You could say: “I await the celebration—gonna dance all night!” Picture you writing a card, imagining the party.
  • Example 2: Imagine your company is unveiling a new product soon, and you’re curious about it. You might say: “I await the launch—hoping it’s a hit!” Picture you at work, chatting by the coffee machine.

5. “Wait for”

“Wait for” is a simple, everyday phrase showing you’re holding off for something to happen, with a mix of patience and excitement. It’s less eager than “looking forward,” but casual and relatable, good for chats where you’re just marking time until the moment arrives.

  • Example 1: Suppose your brother is coming home from college this weekend, and you’re excited to catch up. You could say: “I wait for your visit—pizza night’s on!” Picture you texting him, setting out snacks.
  • Example 2: Imagine your favorite band is touring soon, and you’ve got tickets. You might say: “I’m waiting for the concert—gonna scream my lungs out!” Picture you at home, playlist blasting.

Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say I Look Forward to Meeting You (With Examples)

6. “Count on”

“Count on” is a reliable, trusting phrase, meaning you’re sure something good is coming, and you’re banking on it. Stronger than “looking forward,” it’s about confidence in the outcome, which is ideal for situations where you depend on a positive result.

  • Example 1: Suppose your teammate is pitching a project you helped with, and you’re sure it’ll impress. You could say: “I count on a win—our prep was solid!” Picture you at the office, high-fiving them.
  • Example 2: Imagine your mom is cooking your favorite meal tonight, and you’re excited. You might say: “I count on that lasagna—smells amazing already!” Picture you in the kitchen, peeking at the oven.

7. “Look for”

“Look for” is an active, searching phrase suggesting you’re on the hunt for something exciting to happen soon. It’s a bit more hands-on than “looking forward,” fitting moments where you’re eagerly seeking out what’s next, often with curiosity.

  • Example 1: Suppose your friend is throwing a surprise party, and you’re pumped to see it unfold. You could say: “I look for the big reveal—gonna be epic!” Picture you texting them, guessing the theme.
  • Example 2: Imagine your city’s hosting a festival next week, and you’re thrilled. You might say: “I look for the fun—food trucks, here I come!” Picture you at home, mapping the route.

8. “Awaiting”

“Awaiting” is a waiting word with a hint of eagerness, like “await,” but often used in progress, showing you’re already in the mood for what’s coming. It’s slightly less formal than “looking forward,” great for ongoing excitement in casual or written contexts.

  • Example 1: Suppose your cousin is sending you a gift, and you’re dying to open it. You could say: “I’m awaiting that package—hope it’s here soon!” Picture you checking the mailbox, bouncing a little.
  • Example 2: Imagine your team is prepping for a client pitch, and you’re excited. You might say: “I’m awaiting the meeting—let’s seal the deal!” Picture you at work, practicing your lines.

9. “Confident”

“Confident” is a bold word showing you’re certain something good is ahead, with a strong belief it’ll turn out well. It’s more assertive than “looking forward,” perfect for when you’re sure of success and want to sound upbeat and positive.

  • Example 1: Suppose your friend is running a 5K race soon, and you know they’ll crush it. You could say: “I’m confident you’ll ace it—go get that medal!” Picture you texting them, imagining the finish line.
  • Example 2: Imagine your boss is announcing bonuses next week, and you’re optimistic. You might say: “I’m confident it’s good news—drinks on me!” Picture you at the office, grinning wide.

10. “View”

“View” is a calm, thoughtful word meaning you’re picturing something coming up with interest, like watching it approach from a distance. It’s quieter than “looking forward,” good for reflective moments where you’re imagining what’s next with a steady vibe.

  • Example 1: Suppose your sister is graduating soon, and you’re proud of her. You could say: “I view your big day—gonna cheer so loud!” Picture you writing a note, smiling at her cap photo.
  • Example 2: Imagine your town’s opening a new park, and you’re curious. You might say: “I view the opening—picnics sound nice!” Picture you at home, browsing event details.

Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “Waiting For Your Response” (With Examples)

11. “Enthusiastic”

“Enthusiastic” is a lively, pumped-up word showing you’re super excited and full of energy about what’s ahead, more intense than “looking forward.” It’s great for when you’re bursting with joy and want to shout it, fitting fun or big occasions.

  • Example 1: Suppose your friend scored concert tickets, and you’re thrilled to go. You could say: “I’m enthusiastic about it—gonna rock out!” Picture you calling them, jumping around.
  • Example 2: Imagine your kid’s birthday party is tomorrow, and you’re hyped. You might say: “I’m enthusiastic for the cake—party time!” Picture you at home, blowing up balloons.

12. “Have faith”

“Have faith” is a trusting, hopeful phrase, meaning you believe something good will happen, with a warm, supportive feel. It’s softer than “looking forward,” ideal for encouraging someone or showing quiet confidence in a future moment.

  • Example 1: Suppose your coworker is nervous about a presentation, and you’re cheering them on. You could say: “I have faith it’ll go great—kill it up there!” Picture you at the office, giving a thumbs-up.
  • Example 2: Imagine your neighbor is starting a garden, and you’re rooting for it. You might say: “I have faith in your harvest—fresh veggies soon!” Picture you chatting over the fence.

13. “Prophesying”

“Prophesying” is a dramatic, playful word suggesting you’re predicting something exciting like a fortune-teller, with a fun, bold twist. It’s quirkier than “looking forward,” fitting when you want to sound big and confident about what’s coming.

  • Example 1: Suppose your friend’s band is playing a gig, and you’re sure it’ll rock. You could say: “I’m prophesying a killer show—the crowd’s gonna roar!” Picture you texting them, picturing the stage.
  • Example 2: Imagine your team’s launching a project, and you’re pumped. You might say: “I’m prophesying success—clients will love it!” Picture you at work, sketching plans.

14. “Eager”

“Eager” is an excited, impatient word showing you’re really ready for something to happen soon, with a bouncy, energetic feel. It’s close to “looking forward” but more restless, perfect for when you can’t wait and want to show big enthusiasm.

  • Example 1: Suppose your cousin is visiting after years, and you’re thrilled. You could say: “I’m eager for your arrival—hugs incoming!” Picture you at home, pacing by the door.
  • Example 2: Imagine your school’s hosting a fair, and you’re excited. You might say: “I’m eager for the games—cotton candy awaits!” Picture you with friends, counting days.

15. “Trust”

“Trust” is a steady, dependable word meaning you’re sure something good is on the way, with a calm, positive vibe. It’s less eager than “looking forward,” good for when you’re quietly optimistic and want to show faith in what’s ahead.

  • Example 1: Suppose your sibling is starting a new job, and you’re confident for them. You could say: “I trust it’ll be awesome—you’ve got this!” Picture you texting them, imagining their desk.
  • Example 2: Imagine your friend is hosting a dinner, and you’re sure it’ll be great. You might say: “I trust it’s gonna be tasty—your cooking rocks!” Picture you at their place, smelling the food.

Conclusion

The way we express anticipation can shape the tone of our messages and strengthen our connections. Exploring other ways to say “looking forward” allows for more engaging, tailored communication that resonates with different audiences. Small changes in phrasing can enhance clarity and warmth in your interactions.

Visit Other Ways To Say to discover more impactful ways to express enthusiasm!

Author

Thomas Schneider is a language enthusiast and expert in synonyms, dedicated to exploring the beauty of words and their nuanced meanings. With a passion for linguistics and clear communication, Thomas helps readers enrich their vocabulary and understand the subtle art of word choice. Whether you’re a writer, student, or language lover, his insights offer practical tools to elevate your language skills.

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