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 It’s taken time, but the standards Ukrainian women expect appear to be influencing the expectations of locals. — Lucy Abbersteen, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026 According to Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half, salary expectations are changing as employers compete to attract workers with specialized, in-demand skills. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 The engineering achievement reset expectations for what a hypercar could be. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 The expectation that parental discomfort should determine the pace of an adult life? — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expectation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectation
Noun
  • Frank Roberts and Debora Lester watched with anxious anticipation as the Chicago White Sox finished their final inning Wednesday in American League Division Series Game 3 against the Cleveland Guardians.
    — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale has finally arrived after weeks of anticipation, and for the next 48 hours, the site will have numerous Dell laptops, desktops, and monitors on offer for some of the year's deepest discounts.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • When a call is overturned, Baseball Savant measures the difference in run expectancy between the situation before the pitch/challenge and the situation after the call is flipped.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • As a result, the postgame win expectancy heavily favored Georgia.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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