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
Relevance
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
That means the expectation is that many people will be scoring goals.
—
David Troy Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
This shift reflects a growing belief that self-investment, confidence, and joy are integral to a new, healthier definition of strength, challenging the expectation to always carry the world's burdens.
—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Gold prices are driven by inflation expectations, central bank policy, global economic conditions and investor demand.
—
Usa Today,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
The question of self-dealing was essentially rhetorical, because the expectation that a president served the country — not himself — was foundational.
—
Lynn Schmidt,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for expectation
David Troy Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
This shift reflects a growing belief that self-investment, confidence, and joy are integral to a new, healthier definition of strength, challenging the expectation to always carry the world's burdens.
—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Gold prices are driven by inflation expectations, central bank policy, global economic conditions and investor demand.
—
Usa Today,
USA Today,
2 July 2026
The question of self-dealing was essentially rhetorical, because the expectation that a president served the country — not himself — was foundational.
—
Lynn Schmidt,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for expectation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expectation
Noun
-
An American flag waves in the crisp Alaskan air as spectators wait in anticipation to witness one of the nation’s most unusual Fourth of July spectacles.
-
The developers will next prepare construction drawings and take other steps in anticipation of breaking ground in about two years.
Noun
-
Just a funny feeling — nervousness, expectancy, and wondering what was going to happen next.
-
Have no expectations, but rather abundant expectancy.
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
