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 But building anticipatory buzz is one thing; paying it off is another. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026 That mantra has become the anticipatory soundtrack to Crow-Armstrong’s greatest moments as a Cub. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 Why shouldn’t the anticipatory pleasure of lines contribute to the experience? — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 Shapiro remembers the moment the anticipatory grief set in, years before the loss itself. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
  1. watchful
  2. expectant
  3. enthusiastic
  4. eager
  5. anxious
Adjective
  • Under the watchful direction of director Brenda Porter, who is also the artistic director for Impact Theater, the cast is fine-tuning the drama.
    — La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Eufy Indoor Security Camera Deal Keep a watchful eye on your pets and living space with the dual-lens Eufy S350 4K Indoor Security Camera.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of watchful
Adjective
  • The crowds outside a major fashion show often start to form a few hours in advance, with expectant fans hoping to spot their favorite celebrities.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 28 Sep. 2026
  • English also included a selfie of the expectant parents, who got engaged in December, with smiles on their faces.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of expectant
Adjective
  • But footage obtained by OutKick portrayed a different story, including a handshake with an enthusiastic Bengals head coach Zac Taylor.
    — Ryan Morik , Preston Mizell OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Wall Street has been enthusiastic about the separation, which is designed to unlock the value of each group of assets and is likely to generate M&A interest.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Adjective
  • Most residents in Flagler Village are eager to see more tall towers built, according to Glassman.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Recast as geometry, the old identities now point toward unmapped territory, raising questions that mathematicians are eager to explore.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of eager
Adjective
  • The director general was attempting to lift the gloom after being beset with questions from anxious employees about job losses, service reductions, and general retrenchment.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2026
  • An anxious child Apart from her scribbled notes, scant details are available about Runa’s experience in detention, according to her lawyer Yoshihiro Mukai.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of anxious

Browse Nearby Words

anticipations
anticipatory
anticlimactic
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Cite this Entry

“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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