Definition of expectancynext
as in anticipation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence that feeling of optimistic expectancy that fills theatergoers as they wait for the curtain to rise

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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 expectancy Just look at this win expectancy chart. Levi Weaver, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025 The researchers used a waitlist rather than an active control group, so results could partly reflect expectancy or placebo effects. New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2025 Columbia also scored high in the health category, with women in the city enjoying the 10th-best life expectancy at birth. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 There was a mood of expectancy mingled with apprehension, and a sense of the audience holding its collective breath. Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for expectancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectancy
Noun
  • The air was thick with anticipation and old snow.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Let anticipation do the heavy lifting.
    Alysia Reiner, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Memory chipmakers have also seen extraordinary surges due to expectations for the AI buildout to boost demand for data storage.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The outcome was a beat on consensus expectations of a 5% decline, with Kering stock up 11% in early morning trading.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectancy. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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