anticipation

noun

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən 

1

a

: a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action

hired more security guards in anticipation of a large crowd

b

: the act of looking forward

especially : pleasurable expectation

looked forward with anticipation to their arrival

2

: the use of money before it is available

3

a

: visualization of a future event or state

b

: an object or form that anticipates a later type

4

: the early sounding of one or more tones of a succeeding chord to form a temporary dissonance compare suspension

Synonyms of anticipation

• expectation
• expectancy
• expectance

Choose the Right Synonym for anticipation

prospect, outlook, anticipation, foretaste mean an advance realization of something to come.

prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

Examples of anticipation in a Sentence

She had a feeling of great anticipation before her graduation ceremony.

He looked forward to the party with anticipation.

Recent Examples on the Web

The morning appetite is a different animal from its midday and evening counterparts; there is no growing anticipation, no gradual negotiation, no consideration of snacks or other stopgaps. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 3 May 2026

How does the novelty of such anticipation impact the writing process? —Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2026

Before King Charles had been heralded at the door of the chamber in that most hallowed hall to democracy, the floor of the House and the gallery above had been excitedly echoing with anticipation as people took their seats. —Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026

Some of the surge is related to the Iran war, Bob Savage, head of markets macro strategy at BNY told me, as chip orders have increased in anticipation of supply chain disruptions. —Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see anticipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing anticipation

• in anticipation of

Rhymes for anticipation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

anticipation

noun

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: an earlier action that takes into account and deals with or prevents a later action

2

: pleasurable expectation

3

: the act of providing for an expected event or state

anticipatory

an-ˈtis-ə-pə-ˌtōr-ē, 

-ˌtȯr-

adjective

Medical Definition

anticipation

noun

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tion (ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: occurrence (as of a disease or symptom) before the normal or expected time

2

: mental attitude that influences a later response

Legal Definition

anticipation

noun

an·​ti·​ci·​pa·​tion an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən 

: the knowledge or use of an invention in the U.S. or the patenting or describing of the invention in a publication in the U.S. or a foreign country before the discovery by a patent applicant

Note: Case law has established that every claim or element of a claim has to be disclosed in the prior art in order for a patent application to be barred by anticipation. If an application is amended to consist of claims not disclosed in the prior art, invalidation by anticipation can be avoided.