expectations

Definition of expectationsnext
plural of expectation
as in anticipations
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 expectations Pressure, expectations and the sheer quality of the opposition all contribute to the difficulty. Danielle Rossingh, New York Times, 27 May 2026 That is a huge part of the grade when entering with title-or-bust expectations. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 27 May 2026 Interim leaders are often entering environments with incomplete history, evolving dynamics and expectations that shift in real time. Mariama Boney, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Trump and other officials have since lowered those expectations again. Brittney Melton, NPR, 26 May 2026 Employers who expand their recruiting methods and adjust their expectations strategically may have a better chance of attracting the right talent. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 May 2026 Competition is fierce, expectations are high, and the temptation to quit can feel easier than pushing through uncertainty. Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 May 2026 Are more acute vulnerabilities being exposed by the rise in yields, and will elevated inflation expectations create an undertow to equity valuations? Michael Santoli, CNBC, 19 May 2026 Cooking type Consider carefully what your expectations for oven usage are to determine what type of thermometer will work best for your purposes. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectations
anticipations
Noun
  • Expectations of rate cuts at central banks like the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England have fallen, and in many cases been replaced by anticipations of hawkish monetary policy, sending yields on some European bonds to multi-decade highs.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
  • For traders focused on specific events, having a strong grasp of historical trends can be beneficial, although the results are largely contingent on how the company’s outcomes measure up to market anticipations.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

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“Expectations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectations. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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