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Synonyms for

Expectation

Noun / ˌekspeˈkteɪʃʌn / Another word for expectation — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Expectation means a belief or assumption about what will happen in the future.

Synonyms & similar words

expectedvalue outlook arithmeticmean anticipation prospect firstmoment anticipation hope confidence assumption forecast prediction promise prospect plan outlook imagination trust faith conviction presumption likelihood probability likelihood prognosis projection

Synonyms by register

Formal

anticipation prospect presumption contingency

Informal

hope shot chance guess

Literary

omen augury portent

Antonyms

uncertainty doubt disappointment hopelessness despair skepticism

Common collocations

  • high expectations
  • meet expectations
  • exceed expectations
  • low expectations
  • against all expectations
  • in expectation of
  • reasonable expectation
  • parental expectations

Word family

noun expectation
verb expect
adjective expectant
adverb expectantly

Usage note

Often used in the plural form 'expectations'. Be mindful of the difference between 'expect' (to anticipate) and 'except' (to exclude).

Compare "expectation" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. I have an expectation that my parents will take me to the park tomorrow.
  2. My teacher has high expectations for our class to do well on the test.
  3. I had an expectation that my favorite team would win the game.
  4. My mom had an expectation that I would clean my room before dinner.
  5. I had an expectation that the movie would be scary but it turned out to be funny.

Quotes

  • Expectation is the root of all heartache. - William Shakespeare
  • Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed. - Alexander Pope
  • Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack. - Brandon Sanderson

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