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

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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 When the wave of new speculative players slows or stops, though, keeping those crypto prices high requires a core group of non-speculative players willing to buy the token just to play the game, without any expectations of cashing out. ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026 In that regard, the curators set reasonable expectations upfront with the sentimental text intro to the show displayed at the entrance. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2026 Critics say the warrants intrude on Americans' reasonable expectation of privacy by compelling service providers to turn over broad swaths of user location history and time stamps within a specified area over a specified timeframe. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 For something as common as an air freshener, expectations have remained relatively low. Jon Stojan, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expectation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectation
Noun
  • 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
  • Over those 701 days, the anxiety and anticipation have been growing and reaches its apex today.
    Ron Smiley, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Have no expectations, but rather abundant expectancy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
  • On the website, officials gave a blanket four hour wait expectancy, and said passengers should plan accordingly.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectation. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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