anticipation

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

|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: anticipation in a Sentence

Definition of anticipation

1 a : 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

3 a : 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

See anticipation defined for English-language learners

See anticipation defined for kids

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 of anticipation from the Web

Every night comes with this anticipation that, no matter the score or the situation, The Club will hit its way out of it.

— paul daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Morning Line: Cincinnati Reds' CF Billy Hamilton is underrated as an offensive contributor," 5 July 2018
There hasn’t been this much anticipation surrounding the Purdue football program since Joe Tiller roamed the sidelines in West Lafayette.

— matt murschel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Energized Purdue is No. 67 in 2018 preseason college football rankings," 21 June 2018
Remarkable, though: There probably hasn’t been this much anticipation surrounding a Giants at-bat all season.

— bruce jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "Giants: No complaints about Madison Bumgarner’s sharp comeback," 5 June 2018
With anticipation building for the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday, May 19, everyone's getting in on the coverage.

— kristi turnquist, OregonLive.com, "No TV? Stream the royal wedding ceremony on YouTube," 18 May 2018
There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of an upcoming trip.

— emma sarran webster, Teen Vogue, "15 Space-Saving Travel Hacks for Packing Your Suitcase," 13 Mar. 2018
The Common Council on Thursday voted 8-0, with Councilwoman Carolyn Rogers, D-4th, absent, for the issuance of revenue anticipation notes from the Hammond Local Public Improvement Bond Bank.

— gregory tejeda, Post-Tribune, "Gary seeks loans to meet pension obligations," 23 Feb. 2018
The United States military has already moved coffins and American flags to Panmunjom in anticipation of receiving the remains.

— New York Times, "North Koreans Are No-Shows at Meeting to Discuss U.S. Soldiers’ Remains," 12 July 2018
And in anticipation of possible violence, the U.S. Embassy in Britain is encouraging Americans in the capital to keep a low profile.

— editors, USA TODAY, "Trump's European visit, Wimbledon, Emmy nominations: 5 things you need to know Thursday," 12 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.

Origin and Etymology of anticipation

see anticipate

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

anticipation Synonyms

Synonyms

contemplation, expectance, expectancy, expectation, prospect;

Synonym Discussion of 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

ANTICIPATION Defined for English Language Learners

anticipation

noun

Definition of anticipation for English Language Learners

: a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen
: the act of preparing for something

ANTICIPATION Defined for Kids

anticipation

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

Definition of anticipation for Students

1 : excitement about something that's going to happen

She looked forward to the trip with anticipation.

2 : the act of preparing for something

Medical Dictionary

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

Law Dictionary

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.