as in watchful
having or showing signs of eagerly awaiting something
couldn't control his anticipatory excitement on Christmas morning
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Williams did a nice job with an anticipatory throw to Moore for third-and-5 for a first down.
—
Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Some legal experts also argue that anticipatory self defense — under which a state has not been attacked, but determines that a foreign attack is imminent — is legal under international law.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025
Many family caregivers experience anticipatory grief in the months or years leading up to a loved one's death, said Christina Irving, Client Services Director for the Family Caregiver Alliance.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 12 June 2025
The service is anticipatory, the spa a destination in itself with treatments such as the Red-Carpet Glam Facial and luxurious Golden Glow Manicure, and the dining—led by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud—ensures that even staying in feels like an event.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Some legal experts also argue that anticipatory self defense — under which a state has not been attacked, but determines that a foreign attack is imminent — is legal under international law.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025
Many family caregivers experience anticipatory grief in the months or years leading up to a loved one's death, said Christina Irving, Client Services Director for the Family Caregiver Alliance.
—Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 12 June 2025
The service is anticipatory, the spa a destination in itself with treatments such as the Red-Carpet Glam Facial and luxurious Golden Glow Manicure, and the dining—led by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud—ensures that even staying in feels like an event.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
Adjective
-
Caption with Intention has been a project in the pipeline since 2019 under the watchful eye of Bruno Mazzotti, an Executive Creative Director at FCB Chicago who, having grown up in Brazil with two deaf parents, identifies as a real-life CODA as in the 2022 Oscar-winning film of the same title.—
Gus Alexiou,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Nine other members of the American team are there, under the watchful eye of Bradley and his vice-captains.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The expectant mom wore her hair styled in a loose ponytail.—
Kayla Grant,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Attractions include kitschy traditions such as a butter-sculpting demonstration, in which a master carver crafts a bust of the winner of the annual Princess Kay of the Milky Way pageant, and the Miracle of Birth Center, displaying pens of expectant farm animals.—
Hannah Goldfield,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The opposition leader maintains close ties with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, one of the most enthusiastic proponents in the Cabinet of this particular naval buildup.—
Gisela Salim-Peyer,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
-
In the same piece from Heyman, Phillies president of baseball operations David Dombrowski gave an even more enthusiastic quote about a potential Schwarber reunion.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
These water signs are adaptable and eager team players, so help siblings dress up as a school of fish or as a peppy cheer squad that will bring everyone’s feelings up.—
Ella Cerón,
Parents,
16 Sep. 2025
-
As always, Fonda was eager to gush about Redford’s looks, charm and shared interests.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Research in attachment theory tells us that people with anxious attachment tendencies often monitor signs of availability and care in their partners.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
While all of his children enjoy supporting him at his fights, María is the one who gets the most anxious, according to Canelo.—
Nasha Smith,
PEOPLE,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share