expectations

NOUN

belief, anticipation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

assumption chance confidence fear forecast hope intention likelihood notion outlook possibility prediction promise prospect trust view

STRONG

apprehension assurance calculation conjecture design expectancy motive presumption probability reliance supposition surmise suspense

WEAK

looking forward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disbelief distrust doubt hopelessness impossibility unlikelihood

STRONG

fact knowledge proof reality truth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The company beat earnings and revenue estimates but analysts’ expectations were low.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

General Mills executives made the remarks after the company’s fourth-quarter results topped Wall Street’s expectations, and after executives said they were targeting $3 billion in cost savings by fiscal 2030.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 1, 2026

The Chicago Business Barometer, compiled by MNI Indicators, slipped to 56.7 from 62.7 in May, but still beat expectations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

This idea, that we get to have privacy expectations even in information we’ve shared with faceless corporations, is the biggest idea in Chatrie.

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2026

A medevac flight was very rare, but expectations among patients would surely be raised.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French