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

In anticipation of Monday's premiere of The Bachelor, ABC has released a clip of this season's newest corn nut bachelor, Colton, meeting one of his future-wife-hopefuls. — Sally Holmes, Marie Claire, "I Am Invested in This 'Bachelor' Contestant's Fake Australian Accent Con," 4 Jan. 2019 Scientists plan to collect radiation data in anticipation of a possible human return to the moon. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "China's Rover Is on Its Way to the Far Side of the Moon," 10 Dec. 2018 The couple, who has been living in the Palace’s Nottingham Cottage since getting engaged, will settle into their new estate in early 2019 in anticipation of their first child. — Tess Garcia, Teen Vogue, "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Move Out of Kensington Palace in 2019," 24 Nov. 2018 In anticipation of hitting the polls, people have been comparing their feelings about this year's election to the one in 2016, and the differences could not be starker. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "These "Me Voting in 2016 vs. Me Voting in 2018" Memes Are Getting Us Through Election Day," 6 Nov. 2018 His urgent message came shortly after President Trump approved an emergency declaration in the state, extending federal resources to Florida in anticipation of the impending hurricane. — Fox News, "Hurricane Michael, Category 3, getting 'better organized' as it approaches Florida's Gulf Coast, officials say," 9 Oct. 2018 Some cities have already added this step; in anticipation of its bid, Calgary plans to hold a vote on November 13. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "Olympics try more city-friendly bid process: Will it work?," 8 Oct. 2018 That report did not hint at JDI making such a switch in anticipation of Nintendo demanding higher-quality panels for future hardware. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Report: A new Nintendo Switch model will arrive in 2019," 4 Oct. 2018 Hearst Castle visitor numbers were said to have dropped by 15 percent due to the closures; the castle has already announced additional tours and guides in anticipation of the highway coming back online. — Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, "California's Highway One to Fully Reopen Today," 18 July 2018

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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Last Updated

18 Jan 2019

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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.