The word "unexpected" refers to something that is not anticipated or comes as a surprise. Some antonyms for "unexpected" are:
Expected: This is the most direct opposite. When something is expected, it is anticipated or predicted to happen. For example, "The arrival of the package was expected as it was tracked online, in contrast to the unexpected visit from an old friend." Expected implies a degree of certainty and preparation.
Predictable: Something that is predictable can be foreseen or is likely to occur in a certain way. For instance, "His reaction was predictable as he always responded that way in similar situations, unlike the unexpected outburst last time." Predictable suggests a pattern or regularity that makes it possible to anticipate what will happen.
Anticipated: This word also means to look forward to or expect something to occur. For example, "The promotion was anticipated after months of hard work, rather than being an unexpected turn of events." Anticipated emphasizes a sense of waiting and expecting something to happen.
In conclusion, these antonyms of "unexpected" represent different degrees of predictability and preparation. While unexpected events catch us by surprise, expected, predictable, and anticipated things are those that we have some idea or expectation of. They help us understand the contrast between the unforeseen and the anticipated in our experiences.