Synonyms of anticipation

anticipation

noun

(ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən 

as in expectation

the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence

in anticipation of a job offer, she had already begun looking for an apartment in the city where the company was based

Synonyms & Similar Words

• expectation
• expectancy
• expectance
• contemplation
• prospect
• dread
• apprehension
• alarm
• foreboding
• misgiving

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun anticipation differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of anticipation are foretaste, outlook, and prospect. While all these words mean "an advance realization of something to come," anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

When is it sensible to use foretaste instead of anticipation?

While the synonyms foretaste and anticipation are close in meaning, foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

In what contexts can outlook take the place of anticipation?

In some situations, the words outlook and anticipation are roughly equivalent. However, outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

When could prospect be used to replace anticipation?

Although the words prospect and anticipation have much in common, prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of anticipation

All eyes have been on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s upcoming wedding since before they even got engaged, but with the ceremony being just days away, anticipation has reached a fever pitch. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 30 June 2026

Thousands gathered on Independence Mall Sunday evening for Gospel on Independence, filling the lawn with music, worship and anticipation before severe weather brought the event to an abrupt end. — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 29 June 2026

As anticipation continues to build ahead of the film's release, Reinhart hopes both longtime readers and newcomers embrace the story. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

Her anticipation is almost unfair as a product of quick instincts wrapped inside one of the most physically gifted frames in the league. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 29 June 2026