“expect”

To look forward to or foresee something as likely to happen.

“She anticipated the storm long before the clouds rolled in.”

Best for: Works well in formal writing or speech as a confident step up from 'expect'.

To be a sign or warning that something is coming; to foreshadow.

“The silence in the forest presaged something none of them wanted to name.”

Best for: Best in literary or dramatic writing where atmosphere matters.

To informally suppose or calculate that something will occur.

“I reckon he'll show up late, same as always.”

Best for: Casual, punchy, and grounded — great for dialogue or conversational tone.

To predict or foresee an outcome, often based on signs or omens.

“The early reviews augured well for the film's success.”

Best for: Ideal for formal commentary or editorial writing with a classical flavor.

To foretell or prophesy with a sense of inspired certainty.

“The old poet seemed to vaticinate disaster with every verse he wrote.”

Best for: Extremely rare; use sparingly in literary or scholarly contexts for striking effect.

To count on or expect something as a given when making plans.

“He hadn't bargained on her refusing the offer outright.”

Best for: Punchy and idiomatic — works especially well in tense narrative or thriller writing.