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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Recent Examples of expectation
The disconnect between our desires and the toothless symbolism celebrities offer underscores that, ultimately, the problem isn’t their execution but our expectations.
—
Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
Fidelity National Information Services – The fintech company’s stock plummeted more than 15% after its fourth-quarter revenue missed analysts’ expectations.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025
Global same-store sales increased 0.4% in the quarter, a surprise rise compared with analysts' expectations of a 0.63% decline.
—Savyata Mishra, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
The expectation is that the two defensemen will play together.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 9 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expectation 
Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
Fidelity National Information Services – The fintech company’s stock plummeted more than 15% after its fourth-quarter revenue missed analysts’ expectations.
—Sean Conlon, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025
Global same-store sales increased 0.4% in the quarter, a surprise rise compared with analysts' expectations of a 0.63% decline.
—Savyata Mishra, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
The expectation is that the two defensemen will play together.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 9 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expectation
Thesaurus Entries Near expectation
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expectation. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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