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
In one high-dose psilocybin trial, 94% of participants correctly guessed their treatment allocation with high confidence, leading the authors to call for routine measurement of expectancy and blinding integrity.
—
Ian Reardon, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
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
Research on expectancy violations shows that relationships suffer most not when expectations are unmet, but when they’re unspoken.
—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
See All Example Sentences for expectancy
Ian Reardon, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
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
Research on expectancy violations shows that relationships suffer most not when expectations are unmet, but when they’re unspoken.
—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
See All Example Sentences for expectancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectancy
Noun
-
Florida’s legislature passed new congressional districts just hours after the ruling, completing a redrawing that was in the works in anticipation of the decision.—
Jack Brook,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
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All the secrecy and almost solemnity added to the anticipation of a launch that was five years in the making.—
Charlotte Reed,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
For now, those expectations are on hold.—
Brian Maass,
CBS News,
2 June 2026
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Competitor Ross saw comparable sales jump a staggering 17%, beating expectations of 9%, and also attributed some of its outsize growth to extra stimulus.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectancy. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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