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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Recent Examples of expectancy
Someone genetically predetermined to live 80 years could reach 85 with healthy habits, while unhealthy lifestyle choices can shorten that expectancy to 75.
—
Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
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
Such grateful expectancy is the fruit of understanding that the source of all unchanging good is God.
—Camille Carandang, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectancy
Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
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
Such grateful expectancy is the fruit of understanding that the source of all unchanging good is God.
—Camille Carandang, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectancy
Noun
-
Some of their goals from throw-ins, with oppositions backing off in anticipation and possibly fear of one of Pinnock’s long throws, have also come from quick restarts and delivering quality crosses into the box.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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Over those 701 days, the anxiety and anticipation have been growing and reaches its apex today.—
Ron Smiley,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Set clear expectations and timelines so nothing drifts.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Johnson and Mazzulla both led teams that widely exceeded most preseason expectations.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectancy. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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