Definition of expectancenext
as in anticipation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence gave them the painting, with no expectance of anything in return

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of expectance Giannina Altuve posted video of the family celebrating the expectance of their second child on Sunday afternoon. Houston Chronicle, 11 Nov. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectance
Noun
  • Standards call for consistency, repetition and competitive stamina when the thrill of the anticipation fades.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • The anticipation for the film is remarkable considering how little Brand New Day relies on the usual superhero franchise pump-up mechanics.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Companies are running them concurrently through the same management layer, with the expectation that the layer will absorb the load.
    Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Buttery defended that decision, saying an employee operating a cruiser or unmarked car has no expectation of privacy.
    Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Just a funny feeling — nervousness, expectancy, and wondering what was going to happen next.
    Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
  • Have no expectations, but rather abundant expectancy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Expectance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectance. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster