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 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 The Vikings loved his length, speed and anticipatory skills of this tone-setter. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticipatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anticipatory
  1. watchful
  2. expectant
  3. enthusiastic
  4. eager
  5. anxious
Adjective
  • Corie Walsh, 40, the Illinois mother accused of killing her 2-year-old son Barrett, entered a not guilty plea under the watchful eye of her husband, whom she is accused of attempting to poison.
    — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Keep a watchful eye out for these unwanted visitors and, if needed, use an organic soap spray to manage their spread.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 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
  • With such a formidable roster, Team USA should provide enough star power to fill the arena during weigh-ins, Forte said, adding that large, enthusiastic crowds will impress the IOC.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has been enthusiastic about AI advances, but his speech at the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai urgently expressed the need for strong AI regulations and oversight.
    — Stephen Collins, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of enthusiastic
Adjective
  • Ambitious mukbang-ers eager to prove their gastronomic stamina descended on Red Lobster locations across the country to consume absurd quantities of shrimp.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The two southern battlegrounds were initially top targets of both political parties, but now appear to be slipping away from Republicans as Democrats grow eager about their chances.
    — Halle Troadec, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of eager
Adjective
  • Many of Martin’s clients come in feeling anxious about making the leap, unsure whether the look will suit them.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Forrest says he was pushed into thinking about climate change in the 2010s by his daughter Sophia, who was anxious about the planet’s future.
    — Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of anxious

Browse Nearby Words

anticipations
anticipatory
anticlimactic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anticipatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anticipatory. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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