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
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 expectation
Special elections since November 2024 have delivered a slate of wins for Democrats, who have outperformed expectations and historical trajectories.
—
Philip Elliott, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
The expectation is that the Seahawks will be the next to hit the auction block.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The expectation missions will be flown two to three years after assignment.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026
With 220 games played and 603 goals scored in 2025-26, there is a feeling that this season’s Premier League might not be living up to the expectations of yesteryear.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expectation
Philip Elliott, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
The expectation is that the Seahawks will be the next to hit the auction block.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The expectation missions will be flown two to three years after assignment.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026
With 220 games played and 603 goals scored in 2025-26, there is a feeling that this season’s Premier League might not be living up to the expectations of yesteryear.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expectation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectation
Noun
-
Tesoro beat Dana Hills by 29 points in its first matchup against the Dolphins, but the Titans aren’t overlooking Dana Hills in anticipation for its big game against San Clemente.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
29 Jan. 2026
-
There’s a lot of yearning and anticipation growing throughout part one between Sophie and Benedict.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In fact, there’s research to suggest that expectancy violations are even more crucial in female friendships.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
The petition seeks a jury trial and damages exceeding $25,000 for each count, including claims of discrimination, retaliation, defamation, invasion of privacy and interference with contract or business expectancy.—
Benjamin Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
20 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectation. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
