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

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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 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
  • Even with the game result finalized at this point, the anticipation to see how Maura would react to Rob’s betrayal was almost sky high, and the result matched the moment.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Feb. 2026
  • As the high school basketball season enters its thrilling second act, all eyes are on Columbia High School, where the start of the state playoffs marks a period of anticipation and transition.
    Sam Crenshaw, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Despite the fourth-quarter sales decline, Home Depot topped Wall Street's revenue and earnings expectations for that period.
    Melissa Repko, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026
  • That is not actually the union’s expectation.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Every year, Team USA distributes millions in grants to its individual sport governing bodies, with the biggest chunk distributed based on medal expectancy and future athlete development.
    Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 19 Feb. 2026
  • But in a clinical trial, that experience can be a liability as outcomes can be sensitive to expectancy bias.
    Ian Reardon, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expectance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectance. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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