anticipatory

adjective

an-ˈti-sə-pə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce anticipatory (audio)
Definition of anticipatorynext
as in watchful
having or showing signs of eagerly awaiting something couldn't control his anticipatory excitement on Christmas morning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 anticipatory Now, researchers have discovered that this anticipatory activation is powered by pockets of glycogen in POMC neurons. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026 In typical Aman fashion, service is incredibly anticipatory and proactive. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026 In 2025, some Central Florida municipalities increased service fees — such as fire and stormwater fees — in part as an anticipatory measure of losing property tax revenue. — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026 Ultimately, anticipatory anxiety should be a catalyst for becoming more adaptable and intentional in developing valuable human qualities, regardless of technological advancements. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
  1. watchful
  2. expectant
  3. enthusiastic
  4. eager
  5. anxious
Adjective
  • Wildlife enthusiasts find a different rhythm through AmaWaterways’ Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruises, one that trades itinerary sprinting for long, watchful hours on the water.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026
  • Cruz is alluring and watchful, while Norton turns out to be the film’s secret weapon.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
Definition of watchful
Adjective
  • Portugal has disappointed an expectant nation by losing 1-0 to Lamine Yamal’s Spain on Monday night in the last 16 despite being one of the favorites.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei’s son and expectant heir, is notably absent.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026
Definition of expectant
Adjective
  • China, the world's top crude importer, has not been particularly enthusiastic about purchasing Iranian oil, despite traditionally being the main buyer of the country's energy.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • None of these kids sits at the top of the Australian rankings, but behind them is a team of enthusiastic parents who formed a non-profit – Red Dirt Australian Rodeo – to raise money for the trip.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Adjective
  • Brown, though, is in the prime of his career and no doubt eager to prove the Celtics wrong for trading him after a decade in Boston.
    — Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Up in arms about the way the government has been controlling the food supply, the common folk are eager to test their newfound democratic power.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of eager
Adjective
  • Max is accompanied on his adventures by anxious robot C-3PO AB Sitter, and FX, a magical alien masquerading as a toy who can turn the kid's implausibly impressive sand sculptures into fully functioning robots.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
  • America’s centennial in 1876 was celebrated with a grand exhibition that projected an image of national unity and inventiveness in the anxious aftermath of civil war and recession.
    — The New York Review of Books, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
Definition of anxious

Browse Nearby Words

anticipations
anticipatory
anticlimactic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on anticipatory

Nglish: Translation of anticipatory for Spanish Speakers

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