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
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Some of their goals from throw-ins, with oppositions backing off in anticipation and possibly fear of one of Pinnock’s long throws, have also come from quick restarts and delivering quality crosses into the box.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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Over those 701 days, the anxiety and anticipation have been growing and reaches its apex today.—
Ron Smiley,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Plans come together faster once expectations are clearly defined.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
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Of course, it could also be argued that never in Penguins history has a group with such low expectations accomplished so much.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectancy. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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