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
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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for expectancy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectancy
Noun
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The change — included in contract revisions the City Commission approved in February — is the latest example of the city bending on its requirements to move the project forward as the anticipation around the stadium heightened.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
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Chemistry a texture in the air, every glance charged, the anticipation almost unbearable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The reactions go to show how expectations around wedding photography can vary widely across cultures and individuals.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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The conflict in the Middle East has weighed on gold prices, with surging oil and gas prices raising expectations of an inflation spike across economies that will lead to a bout of interest rate hikes.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectancy. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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