anticipation

noun

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

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

Synonyms of anticipation

• expectation
• expectancy
• expectance

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

Below, Smith talks about Kubrick’s commitment to long takes, and Kidman’s own in kind, plus the film’s Pinewood Studios recreation of New York City in the United Kingdom, controversy over the new 4K transfer, and the atmosphere of anticipation around the centerpiece orgy sequence. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 Nov. 2025

Adrian Helfert, chief investment officer at Westwood, was among those who had already begun repositioning in recent weeks, adding tail-risk hedges in anticipation of a regime shift. —Denitsa Tsekova, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2025

When the Fed signals further rate cuts or inflation data shows cooling trends, mortgage rates often move downward in anticipation. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

Since then, anticipation has been mounting for another glimpse of an object that has increasingly become a source of public obsession. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see anticipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing anticipation

• in anticipation of

Rhymes for anticipation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

anticipation

noun

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

1

: an earlier action that takes into account and deals with or prevents a later action

2

: pleasurable expectation

3

: the act of providing for an expected event or state

anticipatory

an-ˈtis-ə-pə-ˌtōr-ē, 

-ˌtȯr-

adjective

Medical Definition

anticipation

noun

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

1

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

2

: mental attitude that influences a later response

Legal Definition

anticipation

noun

an·​ti·​ci·​pa·​tion an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən 

: 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.