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 There are so many pretty villages in the Cotswolds and wider England, but some would claim that Castle Combe is the fairest of them all—and this home lives up to all expectations. — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 That pace exceeded Raymond James' expectations of 70,000 jobs added each month over that period. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 Only Khamenia and Dzafic, who didn’t see much playing time at all for coach John Calipari, experienced comparable expectations at their previous stops. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026 With the demands and importance of this selection, the expectations should be high. — Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expectation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectation
Noun
  • Bondholders are sending yields higher in anticipation that the Fed will continue to raise its target interest rate at its next meeting later this month.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The language surrounding an actual injury tends to be very different from the anticipation of being stabbed – AI should be expected to construct a box for pain that separates it from fear.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Live Healthy Chicago could serve as a national model for closing life-expectancy gaps by addressing a chronic disease that considers the humanity needed to connect.
    — Garth Walker, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
  • With women’s life average expectancy at 82 years, and many living well into their 90s, some women may experience 30 years of living in retirement independently.
    — Angie O’Leary, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

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“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectation. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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