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
• alarum
• 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

Ohtani emerged from the home dugout at 6:30 p.m. and headed toward the outfield to begin his pre-game preparations, drawing a roar from the early arrivals in the crowd, on their feet in anticipation. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 16 June 2025

Equipment at the two facilities was moved in anticipation of the strikes, Kamalvandi said. —Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 14 June 2025

The move came in anticipation of a potential strike in the region. —Brett Samuels, The Hill, 13 June 2025

There would’ve been big-time anticipation for McCarthy’s sophomore season either way, though, because Minnesota never planned to start him last year over Sam Darnold. —Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 13 June 2025