Definition of expectationnext
as in anticipation
the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence in expectation of a harsh winter, we budgeted more money than usual for the cost of heating our home

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 expectation But in cases involving public scandals there is often a greater expectation of transparency. Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 There’s volume, expectations, and competing priorities. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Here’s what the science actually supports, where the limits are and what realistic expectations look like. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Gold prices are driven by inflation expectations, central bank policy, global economic conditions and investor demand. Usa Today, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expectation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectation
Noun
  • Adventist Health Arena was rocking as the anticipation for a Game 3 lingered.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • That anticipation for Season 3, premiering Sunday, still lingers for Fletcher, though it’s tempered now by doubt and distance, thanks to a four-year gap between seasons.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectation. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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