Definition of expectationnext
as in anticipation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence in expectation of a harsh winter, we budgeted more money than usual for the cost of heating our home

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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 expectation Tyson Foods joined the list Monday of those topping analysts’ expectations for both profit and revenue during the latest quarter. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026 Advanced Micro Devices stock has jumped over the past month, but shares are poised to give up some of those gains as the company prepares to report first-quarter earnings that will likely meet, but not exceed, Wall Street’s expectations, according to HSBC. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 4 May 2026 However, the program has fallen far short of expectations. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 Paramount met most of Wall Street’s expectations in the first quarter, though subscriber gains at flagship streamer Paramount+ fell slightly short. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expectation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectation
Noun
  • Before King Charles had been heralded at the door of the chamber in that most hallowed hall to democracy, the floor of the House and the gallery above had been excitedly echoing with anticipation as people took their seats.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
  • Some of the surge is related to the Iran war, Bob Savage, head of markets macro strategy at BNY told me, as chip orders have increased in anticipation of supply chain disruptions.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Have no expectations, but rather abundant expectancy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
  • On the website, officials gave a blanket four hour wait expectancy, and said passengers should plan accordingly.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

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“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectation. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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