early returns
First tallies reported
Early returns are preliminary results from an election or other tallied process before all votes or data are counted.
They often come from specific precincts or regions and may not reflect the final outcome: The early returns showed a tight race, but the incumbent pulled ahead as more votes came in.
The phrase extends to any initial indicators of success or failure: The early returns on the new policy are promising.
Surveys taken after voting
- voter turnoutShare of eligible citizens voting
- precinctsBounded administrative areas
- ballotsVoting forms
- talliesRecorded count marks
swing states · poll workers · counting · tabulation · electoral college · upsets · incumbent · challengers
Prediction of future conditions
- predictionsForecasts of future events
- estimatesRough calculations of value
- trendsPrevailing directions of change
- extrapolationExtending data beyond bounds
modeling · analysis · probability · likelihood · expectations · calculations · indicators · preliminary
Anxious uncertainty about outcomes
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
- trepidationFearful uncertainty
eagerness · watching · waiting · uncertainty · speculation · buzz · momentum · nervous energy
Financial report each season
- earnings reportsPeriodic corporate profit disclosures
- investment performanceFinancial gains or losses
- yieldsGives forth results
- dividendsProfits paid to shareholders
portfolio · profit margins · revenue · fiscal · ROI · statements · shareholder · gains
exit polls
Surveys taken after voting
- voter turnoutShare of eligible citizens voting
- precinctsBounded administrative areas
- ballotsVoting forms
tallies · swing states · poll workers · counting · tabulation · electoral college · upsets · incumbent · challengers · bellwether
forecast
Prediction of future conditions
- predictionsForecasts of future events
- estimatesRough calculations of value
- trendsPrevailing directions of change
extrapolation · modeling · analysis · probability · likelihood · expectations · calculations · indicators · preliminary · snapshot
suspense
Anxious uncertainty about outcomes
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
trepidation · eagerness · watching · waiting · uncertainty · speculation · buzz · momentum · nervous energy · nail-biting
quarterly results
Financial report each season
- earnings reportsPeriodic corporate profit disclosures
- investment performanceFinancial gains or losses
- yieldsGives forth results
dividends · portfolio · profit margins · revenue · fiscal · ROI · statements · shareholder · gains · losses
early returnsfinal count
Conclusive numerical total
certified results · official results · full count · election certification
early returnsofficial certification
Authorized verification of qualifications
early, returns, earlier, earliest, earliness, return, returned, returning, returnable