expectancy

noun

ik-ˈspek-tən(t)-sē How to pronounce expectancy (audio)
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

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 expectancy With women’s life average expectancy at 82 years, and many living well into their 90s, some women may experience 30 years of living in retirement independently. — Angie O’Leary, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Have no expectations, but rather abundant expectancy. — 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 Shifts in win expectancy by count, rather than in OPS, are what’s actually meaningful. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expectancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectancy
  1. anticipation
  2. expectation
Noun
  • From lines at polling stations to the anticipation and reactions as the results come in, NPR station photographers are documenting the election in their communities.
    — Meredith Nierman, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The crowd rumbled with excited anticipation waiting for Simmons to enter her celebration at Texas Live!
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of anticipation
Noun
  • For all the cloud-rock-101 production and allusions to disorientation, most of the band’s songs don’t confound expectations but play right into them.
    — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The Moon’s opposition to Saturn highlights the strain of balancing public expectations with private obligations.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of expectation

Browse Nearby Words

expectancies
expectancy
expectant
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Cite this Entry

“Expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectancy. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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