anticipation

noun

an·tic·i·pa·tion | \ (ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən

Definition of anticipation

1a : a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action hired more security guards in anticipation of a large crowd

b : the act of looking forward especially : pleasurable expectation looked forward with anticipation to their arrival

2 : the use of money before it is available

3a : visualization of a future event or state

b : an object or form that anticipates a later type

4 : the early sounding of one or more tones of a succeeding chord to form a temporary dissonance — compare suspension

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about anticipation

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Choose the Right Synonym for anticipation

prospect, outlook, anticipation, foretaste mean an advance realization of something to come. prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern. the prospect of a quiet weekend outlook suggests a forecasting of the future. a favorable outlook for the economy anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen. the anticipation of her arrival foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming. the frost was a foretaste of winter

Examples of anticipation in a Sentence

She had a feeling of great anticipation before her graduation ceremony. He looked forward to the party with anticipation.

Recent Examples on the Web

As the anticipation built, the day seemed to drag on for him, but finally, Monday night, his future crystallized when the Twins made Cavaco, an 18-year-old infielder from Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, Calif. the No. — Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, "Twins select infielder Keoni Cavaco in first round of draft," 4 June 2019 Meghan and Harry only launched @SussexRoyal at the beginning of April, presumably in anticipation of the announcement of the new member of their family. — Rachel Epstein, Marie Claire, "How Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Announced Baby Sussex's Birth," 6 May 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support in anticipation of the birth of their first child. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "When It Comes to Paternity Leave, Prince Harry Will Reportedly Follow in Prince William's Footsteps," 28 Apr. 2019 After much anticipation, Meghan Markle has given birth to a baby boy, born at 5.26 a.m. U.K. time and weighing seven pounds and three ounces. — Rachel Epstein, Marie Claire, "The Royal Baby Is Here, and the Whole World Is Freaking Out," 6 May 2019 Many of us are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's firstborn with the same level of anticipation as finding out who will end up on the Iron Throne. — Abby Gardner, Glamour, "How Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Spending Their Time Waiting for the Royal Baby," 4 May 2019 Tourist hot-spot Windsor is full of people every day, but there is no sense that crowds have grown because of royal baby anticipation. — Victoria Murphy, Town & Country, "Royal Baby Watch: Windsor—and the World—Holds Its Breath," 4 May 2019 After much anticipation that included a surprise concert and the unveiling of a video that featured the J-Sisters, the Jonas Brothers have confirmed the arrival of a brand new full length record. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "New Jonas Brothers Album Cover for "Happiness Begins" Sparks Fan Trolling," 22 Apr. 2019 Advertising There have been more accomplished female fighters — Laila Ali, Christy Martin, Lucia Rijker top the short list — but no bout has quite matched this one in anticipation or potential historic significance. — Dan Gelston, The Seattle Times, "Shields wants to lift women’s boxing into mainstream," 12 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anticipation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for anticipation

Last Updated

7 Jun 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for anticipation

The first known use of anticipation was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for anticipation

anticipation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of anticipation

: a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen

: the act of preparing for something

See the full definition for anticipation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

anticipation

noun

an·tic·i·pa·tion | \ an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən

Kids Definition of anticipation

1 : excitement about something that's going to happen She looked forward to the trip with anticipation.

2 : the act of preparing for something

anticipation

noun

an·tic·i·pa·tion | \ (ˌ)an-ˌtis-ə-ˈpā-shən

Medical Definition of anticipation

1 : occurrence (as of a disease or symptom) before the normal or expected time

2 : mental attitude that influences a later response

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anticipation

noun

an·ti·ci·pa·tion | \ an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən

Legal Definition of anticipation

: the knowledge or use of an invention in the U.S. or the patenting or describing of the invention in a publication in the U.S. or a foreign country before the discovery by a patent applicant

Note: Case law has established that every claim or element of a claim has to be disclosed in the prior art in order for a patent application to be barred by anticipation. If an application is amended to consist of claims not disclosed in the prior art, invalidation by anticipation can be avoided.