anticipatory

adjective

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​to·​ry an-ˈti-sə-pə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: characterized by anticipation : anticipating

took anticipatory measures to prevent floods

Synonyms of anticipatory

• watchful
• expectant
• enthusiastic
• eager
• anxious
• anticipant

Examples of anticipatory in a Sentence

couldn't control his anticipatory excitement on Christmas morning

Recent Examples on the Web

Not only was his son well-cared for, but the home provided bereavement support and an opportunity for the family to address anticipatory grief. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Donaldson, the rookie from UM, flashes creativity and anticipatory skills as a passer. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Bloody conflicts over territory, mates, and more are common in social animals, and several species have their own anticipatory behaviors to prepare when a fight looks imminent. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 16 July 2026

Ultimately, anticipatory anxiety should be a catalyst for becoming more adaptable and intentional in developing valuable human qualities, regardless of technological advancements. — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anticipatory

• adjudicatory
• articulatory
• classificatory
• conciliatory
• congratulatory
• discriminatory
• ejaculatory
• emancipatory
• hallucinatory
• interlaboratory
• interrogatory
• investigatory

Legal Definition

anticipatory

adjective

an·​tic·​i·​pa·​tory an-ˈti-sə-pə-ˌtōr-ē 

: of or relating to a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action

an anticipatory challenge brought for declaratory and injunctive relief

—L. H. Tribe

anticipatorily

-ˌti-sə-pə-ˈtōr-ə-lē

adverb